Delhi Government De-Registers More Than 1 Lakh Overaged Diesel Vehicles

The Delhi Transport Ministry has confirmed that over one-lakh over-aged diesel vehicles have been de-registered in the National Capital. The step has been taken following Delhi government's order to not allow diesel vehicles over 10 years old in the state. Other than the diesel vehicles, petrol-powered vehicles that are over 15 years old are also being de-registered. In 2016, because of the rising pollution levels, the Delhi Government made the amendment in the transport law reducing the registration period of diesel vehicles in Delhi from 15 years to 10 years, without changing the registration period of petrol-powered vehicles.

Addressing the media, Kailash Gehlot, Minister Of Transport, New Delhi said, "Public transport in Delhi is running at one-third of its capacity, increasing the number of special environment buses. As the life of vehicles increases, they also start generating pollution. Till now, it was a rule that NOC was not given to diesel vehicles more than 10 years old and petrol vehicles more than 15 years old. But recently we changed the order, now we are giving NOC to all the vehicles which have completed their life."

DTC has started including electric buses in its fleet.

That said, Gehlot confirmed that the vehicles which are de-registered in Delhi can be registered again in those states where diesel vehicles more than 10-years-old are allowed to operate. Overaged vehicles can also be converted into electric vehicles through retrofitting and the government has already invited companies which offer these solutions. The minister further added that four to five companies have been empaneled for this already. As far as NOC is concerned, one can apply for NOC through the website of the Transport Department.

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has already started including electric buses in its fleet as part of the 550 buses permit renewal and more such buses will start running this week. Some of the eco-buses that were being run due to the increase in pollution level, some of them have to get the pollution certificate renewed. After that those buses will also hit the road.