India, July 21 -- The Delhi government has approved the implementation of the Centre's PARIVARTAN (Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivisation of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions) scheme, aimed at replacing old, polluting commercial vehicles with BS-VI and electric alternatives across Delhi-NCR. The scheme is being implemented simultaneously across the Delhi-NCR region. Under the scheme, the state government in which a commercial vehicle is registered will provide the incentives and concessions applicable to that vehicle. The proposal was cleared by the Delhi Cabinet, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta describing it as a major step towards reducing vehicular pollution and strengthening the capital's clean transport network.

Under the scheme, owners of BS-IV and older light goods vehicles (LGVs) who scrap their vehicles and purchase new electric LGVs will receive a 100 per cent exemption on motor vehicle tax and registration fees for 10 years, along with a 5 per cent interest subvention, an 8 per cent manufacturer (OEM) discount and fuel vouchers or an equivalent one-time benefit. Those opting for used electric LGVs will receive a 50 per cent tax exemption for 10 years, interest support and the fuel voucher benefit. Similar incentives have been extended to medium and heavy goods vehicles (MGVs and HGVs). Owners replacing old vehicles with new BS-VI, higher-emission-standard or electric models will get full exemption from motor vehicle tax and registration fees for a decade, while buyers of used eligible vehicles will receive a 50 per cent tax exemption. The scheme also covers BS-IV and older buses, which can be replaced only with BS-VI CNG or electric buses. Beneficiaries will also receive relief from road tax and fitness penalties pending for over a year. Additionally, eligible BS-IV vehicles may be sold in non-NCAP cities outside the NCR instead of being scrapped. The government estimates around 2.07 lakh truck and bus owners will benefit from the scheme, which will be implemented through a dedicated digital portal developed by the Ministry of Road

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.