Ministry Advocates for Scrapping Pre-2000 Vehicles to Combat Pollution

Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Secretary Anurag Jain has called for the scrapping of pre-BS era, particularly commercial heavy vehicles, due to their high pollution levels and outdated safety features. The government is working on incentivizing the scrapping of these vehicles to improve safety and fuel efficiency.

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Secretary Anurag Jain has pushed for the removal of pre-BS era vehicles, especially commercial heavy vehicles, highlighting issues like pollution and outdated safety standards. Bharat Stage (BS) norms were introduced in India in 2000.

Jain emphasized that pre-BS vehicles pollute 15 times more than modern vehicles, questioning the wisdom of allowing such outdated vehicles to operate amid the country's severe pollution problems. He pointed out that these older vehicles also incur higher fuel and maintenance costs, despite significant advancements in vehicle safety over the past 15 years.

Jain underscored the benefits of scrapping old vehicles, such as enhanced safety and fuel savings, and noted that the government has been working diligently to incentivize this process. He clarified that the policy for scrapping vehicles will be based on pollution levels rather than age. Additionally, Jain addressed the 20-kilometre relaxation under the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), explaining that it is an enabling provision introduced into the laws to facilitate GNSS tolling systems. However, he reiterated that the technology does not dictate the law, which remains unchanged.

(With inputs from agencies.)