Centre Aims to Replace Over 2 Lakh NCR Commercial Vehicles in One Year
The Union government aims to replace more than 2 lakh trucks and buses in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) with BS-VI or electric vehicles within a year under the PARIVARTAN scheme, Road Secretary V. Umashankar announced.
The revised target advances the two-year implementation timeline initially approved by the Union Cabinet. The PARIVARTAN (Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivisation of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions) scheme was approved on June 3 and launched on July 14. It targets commercial vehicles registered in Delhi and surrounding NCR districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh that conform to BS-IV or older emission standards.
Funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Officials explained at a press briefing that while trucks and buses comprise only 3.1% of the total vehicle fleet in the region, they account for 36% of vehicular PM2.5 emissions.
The scheme carries a total financial outlay of ₹9,585 crore, which includes ₹5,041 crore in central budgetary support. To encourage fleet modernization, the programme offers a comprehensive package of financial incentives to buyers of new BS-VI compliant diesel and CNG vehicles, as well as electric vehicles.
Incentives include a 5% interest subvention on eligible vehicle loans for five years, a complete 100% road-tax waiver for 10 years, and a full exemption from registration fees. Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh have already issued official notifications granting these exemptions.
Additionally, participating vehicle manufacturers will provide at least an 8% discount on the ex-showroom price. Buyers opting for BS-VI diesel or CNG vehicles will receive monthly fuel vouchers ranging between ₹1,200 and ₹4,800 for five years, depending on the vehicle category. Electric vehicle buyers will receive a one-time financial incentive ranging from ₹64,000 to ₹2.56 lakh.
To qualify for the scheme, operators must scrap their BS-III or older trucks and buses. Owners of BS-IV vehicles have the option either to scrap them or sell them outside the NCR.
According to Mr. Umashankar, more than 1,300 beneficiaries have already registered on the PARIVARTAN portal. A total of 42 banks and non-banking financial companies have joined to provide loan interest subventions, and 15 automobile manufacturers have signed agreements to extend the required discounts.
