Separate Transport Department for Pollution Related Issues?

As the government continues to struggle with rising pollution and emission standard related decisions, the step will hopefully facilitate resolution of issues ranging from fuel technology to motor body specifications, and fuel emissions, among other concerns.

Gadkari said, "The area is mammoth and we want to chart a roadmap for quicker development of the sector. The idea behind is also to end corruption and make the functioning of the Ministry and departments transparent, accomplishing tasks in a time-bound manner."

The department will work to ensure compliance of vehicle emission norms in the country and faster growth of the sector. Furthermore, with the government's plan to offer incentives of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for surrendering old vehicles also renders the formation of this individual department important.

Though the original timeline of the Auto Fuel Policy dictates that BS IV is to be adopted across the country by 2017, BS V by 2020, and BS VI by 2024. Since the government has been struggling to deal with the overwhelming growth in pollution levels across the country, Gadkari has urged carmakers to comply with Euro 6 emission norms as soon as possible.

(With inputs from PTI)