Vehicle scrappage will soon depend on pollution levels, not age
What's the story
The Indian government is developing a new policy for vehicle scrappage, which will be based on pollution levels rather than the age of the vehicles.
This was revealed by Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, at the annual convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
Jain emphasized that this approach is being considered to address concerns raised by vehicle owners, who maintain their vehicles well beyond 15 years.
Collaboration call
Industry's help sought in designing pollution checks
Jain has called upon the automobile industry to assist the government in making the program of pollution checks "trustworthy."
He acknowledged that there are questions about why well-maintained vehicles should be scrapped after 15 years.
To address this, he stated, "We are studying it from the pollution (point) only."
The government is now formulating a policy based on this approach.
Pollution limits
Jain questions possibility of setting pollution limits
Jain raised queries about the feasibility of setting pollution limits for vehicles.
He asked, "Can we say that pre BS II? We are not talking about age. Can we do it? BS I or pre-BS I? Can we put up a limit for the vehicle pollution?"
These questions indicate a shift in focus from vehicle age to emission standards in determining scrappage eligibility.
Trustworthy certificates
Trustworthy pollution test certificates urged
Jain emphasized the need for reliable pollution test certificates, stating, "There also we will have to come out with ensuring that the pollution test will become something which is trustworthy."
He urged industry members to help design a program of pollution checks that can issue "trustworthy certificate(s)."
Industry support
Jain praises auto industry's support for current scrappage policy
Jain commended the automobile industry for its backing of the existing vehicle scrappage policy.
He highlighted that companies have been offering discounts of up to 3% on new purchases in exchange for old scrapped vehicles.
This support from the auto sector underscores a collaborative effort toward sustainable practices and pollution control in India's transportation landscape.