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Delhi-NCR: Rs 9,585 Cr Scheme to Slash Pollution
3 Jun
Summary
- A Rs 9,585 crore scheme aims to replace old trucks and buses.
- The program targets around 2.07 lakh vehicle owners in Delhi-NCR.
- Pollution from older trucks and buses is a major concern.
The Union Cabinet has cleared a significant ₹9,585 crore vehicle replacement scheme for the Delhi-NCR region, aiming to combat severe air pollution. This initiative, effective for two years, encourages owners of older trucks and buses to upgrade to cleaner Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) compliant or electric vehicles (EVs).
The program is set to benefit approximately 2.07 lakh vehicle owners, focusing on around 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses that currently meet BS-IV emission standards or earlier. Transport vehicles are major contributors to PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions in the Delhi-NCR.
Under the scheme, owners of pre-BS-III vehicles must scrap them, while BS-IV vehicles can be scrapped or relocated outside NCR. Vehicle owners will then purchase and register new BS-VI or electric vehicles within NCR. Delhi mandates electric light goods vehicles and BS-VI CNG or electric buses.
Financial incentives include a 5% interest subvention on loans for five years, monthly fuel vouchers, EV purchase incentives, and registration fee waivers from participating states. Manufacturers will also offer discounts. These benefits, managed via a digital platform, aim to substantially reduce pollution and promote cleaner transport technologies.
