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)

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