Delhi And with the aim of controlling air pollution in NCR, the Cabinet has approved a special scheme of Rs 5041 crore. Under this scheme, old trucks and buses will be replaced with BS-VI and electric vehicles in Delhi-NCR. Under this scheme, financial incentives will be given to owners who buy new BS-VI and electric vehicles in exchange for old vehicles. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav gave this information on Wednesday.
5 percent interest subsidy will be available on loan
Under the scheme, the central government will provide 5 percent interest subsidy on loans for 5 years, monthly fuel vouchers up to Rs 4800 for 5 years depending on the category of vehicles, discounts from companies and lump sum benefits for purchasing electric vehicles. This scheme will be applicable only for BS-IV and older trucks and buses registered in Delhi-NCR.
Vehicles from BS-I to BS-IV emit 67% more carbon monoxide compared to BS-VI.
According to the government statement, the scheme aims to cover more than 1.9 lakh trucks and 16,000 buses currently running in Delhi-NCR. Let us tell you that trucks and buses of the region have a major role in polluting the air of Delhi-NCR. The government said that vehicles from BS-I to BS-IV emit 67% more carbon monoxide (CO) and 97% more particulate matter (PM) compared to BS-VI vehicles. Therefore, modernizing the vehicle fleet is an important part of efforts to improve air quality.
Auto industry welcomed the government’s plan
The auto industry has called the government’s plan a ‘positive step’ that can accelerate the adoption of clean vehicles and help reduce pollution levels. Shailesh Chandra, president of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), an organization of auto companies, said, “This is a positive step towards increasing the pace of adoption of eco-friendly vehicles in Delhi-NCR.”
An important step towards tackling air pollution
Managing Director and CEO of VE Commercial Vehicles B. Srinivas said, “We appreciate the government for approving this scheme for Delhi-NCR. “This is an important step towards accelerating the modernization of truck and bus fleets as well as tackling air pollution, one of the region’s most pressing environmental challenges.”
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