Government to Approve IIT-Delhi’s Rs 5,000 Innovation for Retrofitting Old Diesel Trucks and Buses
Looking to address the escalating pollution crisis, the Indian government is set to implement a new initiative aimed at reducing vehicular emissions. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari announced that the government will introduce retrofit emission-control devices (RECDs) for older diesel vehicles. This move will complement the existing program to scrap and replace outdated heavy vehicles.
Retrofitting Old Trucks and Buses
The government plans to allow the installation of RECDs on aging and heavily polluting trucks and buses. These devices can reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 90% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 60%. Gadkari stated that the technology, developed by IIT Delhi, has successfully passed testing. The devices are compatible with BS-IV, BS-III, and older diesel vehicles, enabling them to meet emissions standards comparable to BS-VI vehicles. The expected cost for these retrofit devices is around Rs 4,000-5,000.
Rollout Timelines
The Road Transport Ministry is preparing to notify Automotive Industry Standard 228, which will outline the technical specifications and performance requirements for the emission-control devices. Gadkari also highlighted India’s shortage of buses, noting that the country has only two buses for every 1,000 people, compared to a global benchmark of eight. He emphasized the need for innovative public transport solutions in smaller cities, where high capital costs for metro systems may not be feasible. Additionally, he addressed bureaucratic challenges, citing the proposed flash-charging articulated bus system in Nagpur as an example of obstacles faced.
Focus on Road Accidents
The government plans to launch a new version of the Bharat NCAP program in October 2027, which will assess vehicle safety across the entire safety chain. Bharat NCAP, introduced in 2023, is India’s official vehicle safety rating system, evaluating passenger cars through crash tests. Gadkari noted that India has the highest road accident rate globally, with five lakh accidents and 1.80 lakh fatalities each year. He stressed the importance of examining the entire value chain of vehicles to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
The government is also developing a system to penalize repeat traffic offenders through a points mechanism linked to driving licenses. Gadkari stated that responsible drivers could receive incentives, while those whose actions contribute to fatalities on public roads should be discouraged.
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