+
West Bengal shifts to exclusive electric vehicles
ECONOMY & POLICY

West Bengal shifts to exclusive electric vehicles

The West Bengal government has made a decision to combat increasing pollution levels in the state caused by automobile fuel emissions. They have opted to exclusively use electric vehicles for all administrative purposes. A notification from the state Transport Department has confirmed that even rented vehicles for administrative use must be electric.

The department has also estimated the expenses associated with this transition. For the initial 100 kilometres, the state government will cover a monthly cost of Rs 46,000 as rent to the private agencies providing the cars. Beyond 100 kilometres, the rate will be Rs 8 for each additional kilometre. In the event of emergencies, the administration will have the option to rent petrol or diesel vehicles, but prior approval from the state Finance Department will be mandatory.

A senior Finance Department official expressed, "The shift to this new system will inevitably entail additional expenses and thus put more strain on the state treasury. Nevertheless, it is essential to curb the escalating air pollution stemming from automobile fuel emissions, particularly those from diesel vehicles." Environmental activists in the state have welcomed this decision, viewing it as a positive step in the right direction. Conversely, associations representing private transport owners, while acknowledging the initiative's merits, express skepticism about its long-term success without the establishment of a suitable infrastructure.

The West Bengal government has made a decision to combat increasing pollution levels in the state caused by automobile fuel emissions. They have opted to exclusively use electric vehicles for all administrative purposes. A notification from the state Transport Department has confirmed that even rented vehicles for administrative use must be electric. The department has also estimated the expenses associated with this transition. For the initial 100 kilometres, the state government will cover a monthly cost of Rs 46,000 as rent to the private agencies providing the cars. Beyond 100 kilometres, the rate will be Rs 8 for each additional kilometre. In the event of emergencies, the administration will have the option to rent petrol or diesel vehicles, but prior approval from the state Finance Department will be mandatory. A senior Finance Department official expressed, The shift to this new system will inevitably entail additional expenses and thus put more strain on the state treasury. Nevertheless, it is essential to curb the escalating air pollution stemming from automobile fuel emissions, particularly those from diesel vehicles. Environmental activists in the state have welcomed this decision, viewing it as a positive step in the right direction. Conversely, associations representing private transport owners, while acknowledging the initiative's merits, express skepticism about its long-term success without the establishment of a suitable infrastructure.

Next Story
Building Material

UltraTech’s Limestone Mine Gets India’s First-Ever 7-Star Rating

UltraTech Cement, India’s largest producer of cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), has received top honours for sustainable mining practices. Thirteen of the company’s limestone mines were awarded star ratings by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, for FY 2023–24 during a ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Among these, the Naokari Limestone Mine—part of UltraTech’s Awarpur Cement Works in Chandrapur, Maharashtra—was awarded India’s first-ever 7-star rating for a limestone mine, in recognition of exceptional performance in ‘Green Mining’. The remain..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sieger Parking Enters Mumbai Market, Expands West India Presence

Sieger Parking, a Coimbatore-headquartered specialist in automated and multi-level car parking systems, has announced its entry into Western India with the launch of a regional office in Mumbai. This move marks a key milestone in the company’s pan-India growth strategy and its commitment to delivering technology-driven, space-efficient parking solutions across urban India. The Mumbai office will serve as the regional headquarters for Maharashtra and neighbouring states, supporting end-to-end operations with on-ground sales, project management, and service teams. The aim is to fast-track..

Next Story
Resources

IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025 Champions Culture and Climate Action

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of CII, hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 on 4 July at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi, under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment.” The event brought together policymakers, architects, developers, and thought leaders to discuss Kerala’s progress in blending cultural heritage with sustainable design.  Kerala is emerging as a frontrunner in climate-resilient development, thanks to passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, cool roof initiatives, and the widespread adopt..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?