Pre-BS era vehicles should be scrapped: Road Transport Secretary

17 Sep 2024 CW Team

Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, advocated for the scrapping of pre-Bharat Stage (BS) era vehicles, particularly heavy commercial vehicles, due to concerns over pollution and safety. The Bharat Stage emission norms were first introduced in India in 2000 to regulate emissions.

Jain emphasised the severe pollution caused by vehicles manufactured before 2000, stating, "Pre-BS vehicles contribute to 15 times more pollution. Do you think such vehicles should be on the roads when pollution is causing so many problems in our country?" He also noted that older vehicles incur higher fuel and maintenance costs and lack modern safety features.

He highlighted the benefits of scrapping old vehicles, which include improved safety and fuel savings. "We have been working on incentivising scrapping... If you scrap an old vehicle, you will bring safety and save on fuel," he added, focusing on the need to target commercial heavy vehicles specifically.

In 2000, passenger cars and commercial vehicles in India adhered to the Euro I equivalent India 2000 norms, while two-wheelers met some of the world's strictest emission standards. Bharat Stage II norms, equivalent to Euro II, were implemented in major cities from 2001.

Jain also mentioned the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), clarifying that the recent 20-kilometer relaxation is part of an enabling provision to facilitate the GNSS tolling system. He stated, "What we have published in the law is an enabling framework for allowing GNSS... There has been no change in the law."

The government has previously indicated that it is developing a vehicle scrapping policy based on pollution levels rather than vehicle age. (Business Standard)

Equipment

12 Dec 2025

Schwing Stetter India Unveils New Innovations at Excon 2025

Schwing Stetter India unveiled more than 20 new machines at Excon 2025, marking one of its most significant showcases and introducing several India-first technologies to the construction equipment sector. The company launched the country’s first 56-metre boom pump designed and manufactured in India, the first fully electric truck mixer, the first CNG mixer variant and the first hybrid boom pump. Executives said the launch portfolio was engineered to support India’s move toward faster, greener and more vertically oriented infrastructure through advanced engineering, clean-energy solutions a..

SEPC Resolves Hindustan Copper Dispute, Wins Rs 725 Mn Order

Engineering, procurement and construction firm SEPC Ltd has recently settled a dispute with Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL) and secured a mining infrastructure order valued at Rs 725 million from the state-owned company. SEPC informed the stock exchanges that it has executed a settlement deed with HCL, bringing closure to all inter-se claims and counterclaims arising from arbitration proceedings. As part of the settlement, SEPC will receive Rs 304.5 million as full and final payment, marking the resolution of all pending disputes between the two entities. The company also stated that Hindustan Co..

20% Ethanol Blending Cuts India’s CO2 Emissions by 73.6 Mn Tonnes

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari recently said that India has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 73.6 million metric tonnes due to the adoption of 20 per cent ethanol blending in petrol. He made the statement while replying to supplementary questions during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha. Describing ethanol as a green fuel, the minister said it plays a key role in reducing pollution while also supporting higher incomes for farmers. He underlined that ethanol blending contributes both to environmental sustainability and rural economic growth. Nitin Gadkari also po..