Financial incentives to encourage replacement of old buses and trucks with BS-6 and electric vehicles
Rohtak, June 1
The Union Cabinet has approved an ambitious scheme aimed at reducing air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region by encouraging the replacement of old, polluting buses and trucks with cleaner BS-6 and electric vehicles.
Sharing details of the scheme through a video conference, Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Secretary V. Umashankar said vehicle owners operating old trucks and buses in the Delhi-NCR region will be eligible for various financial incentives if they replace their vehicles with BS-6 or higher-standard vehicles or electric vehicles. The initiative is intended to improve air quality and promote a cleaner and more sustainable transport system.
The video conference was attended by traffic commissioners, deputy commissioners and other concerned officials. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta and Regional Transport Authority Secretary Virendra Singh Dhull participated from Rohtak. V. Umashankar said the scheme specifically targets the replacement of old polluting trucks and buses of BS-4 or lower standards. These vehicles can be replaced with BS-6 or higher-standard vehicles or electric vehicles to help curb pollution levels across the Delhi-NCR region.
Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta described the scheme as an important step towards reducing air pollution, promoting clean and sustainable transportation, and strengthening national efforts to protect the environment. He said eligible beneficiaries will first have to register on the designated portal and complete the verification process to avail themselves of the benefits.
He informed that the portal will digitally verify details such as vehicle registration, ownership, BS-IV status and its jurisdiction within Delhi-NCR. After verification, beneficiaries can either scrap their old vehicles at a registered vehicle scrapping facility or sell BS-IV vehicles in a non-NCAP city outside the Delhi-NCR region.
According to the scheme, participating vehicle manufacturers will offer discounts of up to 8 per cent on the ex-showroom price of a new vehicle or a suitable used vehicle purchased as a replacement. In addition, state governments will provide up to 100 per cent rebate on motor vehicle tax and a complete waiver of registration fees for new vehicles. A rebate on motor vehicle tax will also be available for the purchase of used vehicles.
Sachin Gupta stressed the need for a widespread awareness campaign to ensure truck associations, educational institutions and other stakeholders are fully informed about the scheme. He urged eligible vehicle owners and educational institutions to take full advantage of the benefits being offered. He added that transport departments will undertake extensive awareness drives so that the maximum number of eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of the scheme.
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