As per the Government of NCT of Delhi (GNCTD), the Transport Department resumed its crackdown on end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) on October 11, 2024. Since then, enforcement teams have impounded 2,445 vehicles. This initiative aligns with efforts to phase out unfit and polluting vehicles in compliance with environmental and regulatory directives.
The Ministry of Steel issued a circular on January 23, 2023, providing guidelines for determining the reserve price of government vehicles and service charges for auctions conducted by MSTC. This has been shared with all states and union territories. Additionally, Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs), established under the Government of India’s notification GSR 653(E) dated September 23, 2021, are private entities. The government does not intervene in determining the scrap value of private vehicles, which is governed by market forces based on the vehicle’s condition.
Incentives for Vehicle Scrapping:
- Waiver of Fees: As per GSR Notification 714(E) dated October 4, 2021, no fee is charged for issuing a certificate of registration when a vehicle is registered with a “Certificate of Deposit.”
- Motor Vehicle Tax Concession: Under GSR Notification 720(E) dated October 5, 2021, a concession in motor vehicle tax is provided for vehicles registered with a “Certificate of Deposit.” Non-transport vehicles are eligible for up to 25% concession, and transport vehicles up to 15%, valid for up to eight years for transport vehicles and 15 years for non-transport vehicles.
- Environmentally Sound Recycling: Vehicle scrapping must adhere to CPCB guidelines for the environmentally sound management of ELVs as outlined in GSR Notification 653(E). This includes de-pollution, dismantling, and recycling in compliance with AIS-129 standards.
Policy and Infrastructure for Transition:
- PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Launched with an outlay of ₹10,900 crore, this scheme (effective October 1, 2024 – March 31, 2026) aims to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, establish charging infrastructure, and develop a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem.
- Retrofitment Norms:
- GSR 625(E) dated August 11, 2022, permits retrofitting CNG kits by replacing in-use BS VI diesel engines with CNG engines.
- GSR 167(E) dated March 1, 2019, allows retrofitting hybrid or electric systems, ensuring compliance with AIS 123 standards.
Vehicle Scrapping Policy:
The Government of India has formulated a Vehicle Scrapping Policy, incorporating incentives and disincentives to phase out older, unfit vehicles. Rules under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, provide the framework for implementing this policy. State and UT Governments are responsible for enforcement.
In compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive dated October 29, 2018 (MC Mehta vs Union of India), diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol vehicles over 15 years old are banned from plying in the National Capital Region (NCR), as per the NGT order dated April 7, 2015.
