Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a two-year scheme to reduce pollution levels in Delhi-NCR. The initiative will be funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) and aims to cut air pollution in the region and promote cleaner mobility.
The scheme, which will be implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), will benefit around 2.07 lakh vehicle owners, including 1.91 lakh truck owners and over 16,000 bus owners.
Under the scheme, owners of trucks and buses registered in Delhi-NCR that meet BS-IV or older emission standards will be encouraged to scrap or replace their vehicles with BS-VI or cleaner vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs).
The Centre will provide a 5 per cent interest subsidy on loans for five years, along with monthly fuel vouchers of up to ₹4,800 depending on the vehicle category. State governments will waive registration fees and extend up to 100 per cent exemption on motor vehicle tax for new vehicles.
The scheme is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions and contribute to improved air quality across the Delhi-NCR region.
