The government has rolled out a multi-stakeholder incentive programme aimed at accelerating the replacement of older trucks and buses in the Delhi-NCR region as part of efforts to reduce vehicular pollution.
Under the scheme, commercial vehicle owners replacing older vehicles will be eligible for a 5% interest subvention from the Central government on vehicle loans. State governments will provide road tax concessions, while oil marketing companies (OMCs) will offer monthly fuel vouchers of up to ₹4,800. Vehicle manufacturers are also expected to extend discounts on the purchase of new vehicles.
Shailesh Chandra, President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), said the programme represents a collaborative effort involving the Centre, state governments, OMCs and vehicle manufacturers to encourage the adoption of cleaner and more efficient commercial vehicles.
“This is a positive step towards accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicles in Delhi NCR. A combination of 5% interest subvention by the Centre, road tax concessions by States, monthly fuel vouchers of up to ₹4,800 by OMCs, and discounts by OEMs allows participation from all stakeholders to provide an opportunity to owners of old Commercial Vehicles to leverage the programme, thereby contributing to reducing pollution load in NCR,” Chandra said.
The initiative is aimed at encouraging owners of ageing commercial vehicles to transition to newer, cleaner models, supporting broader efforts to improve air quality in the National Capital Region.