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
Infrastructure Energy

Mahi-Banswara Nuclear Project Siting Transferred to ASHVINI

India’s nuclear regulator, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), has transferred the siting consent for the Mahi-Banswara Atomic Power Project from the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to Anushakti Vidyut Nigam (ASHVINI), a joint venture company developing the 2,800 MWe project.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the Mahi-Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP) on 25 September. The project marks the entry of the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) into India’s nuclear power sector.ASHVINI, a joint venture between N..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

PM Modi Launches Rs 5.1 Billion Projects in Arunachal Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today launched infrastructure projects worth over Rs 5.1 billion in Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the state’s growing role in energy and regional development. He virtually laid the foundation stones for two major hydropower projects in Shi Yomi district, as well as a convention centre in Tawang. Additional projects worth over Rs 1.29 billion were rolled out across road connectivity, healthcare, and fire safety sectors.Addressing a public gathering at Indira Gandhi Park in Itanagar, PM Modi described Arunachal Pradesh as both the land of the rising sun and a cra..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Power Ministry Forms Committee to Standardise Smart Meter Training

The Ministry of Power is establishing a steering committee and a sub-working group of domain experts to standardise training modules and create standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for smart meter data analytics, adoption of standards-based regimes, and cybersecurity practices for distribution companies (DISCOMs).The National Data Analytics and Reporting Centre at the National Power Training Institute, Faridabad, will conduct training programmes for DISCOM officials and provide guidance on customising use case analytics. It will also offer a “Leadership and Strategic Managemen..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?