Central Government Launches 5,041 Crore Plan to Replace Old Trucks and Buses in Delhi NCR The Indian government has approved a 5,041 crore rupees replacement plan to phase out over 2 lakh old trucks and buses in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). The initiative, aimed at reducing air pollution and promoting cleaner transportation, will replace vehicles complying with Bharat Stage (BS) 4 or older emission standards with newer models adhering to BS 6 norms or electric vehicles. The plan spans two years and involves collaboration between the central government and states including Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The move is part of broader efforts to combat pollution, which has been a persistent issue in the region, particularly during winter months. A 2018 report by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) highlighted that transportation contributes significantly to air pollution, with heavy-duty vehicles accounting for 36% of PM 2.5 emissions despite comprising only 3% of total vehicles. The plan targets the replacement of 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses, with BS 3 vehicles being scrapped and BS 4 vehicles either scrapped or sold outside the NCR. Under the scheme, vehicle owners will be incentivized to switch to BS 6-compliant or electric vehicles. The central government will allocate 5,041 crore rupees, while states will provide tax exemptions totaling 1,601 crore rupees. Subsidies include a 5% interest rate subsidy for loans, monthly fuel vouchers up to 4,800 rupees, and a one-time benefit for electric vehicle purchases. States will also waive registration fees and offer tax exemptions of up to 100% for new vehicles and 50% for older ones.#central_government #delhi_ncr #prime_minister_narendra_moddi #automotive_research_association_of_india #energy_and_resources_institute
