MoRTH Proposes Age Extension For Green Commercial Vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed extending the permissible age of battery-operated, hydrogen fuel-based, and natural gas-driven commercial vehicles covered under the national permit system by five years.

This proposal is part of a draft amendment to simplify national permit procedures and increase the use of digital processes. The existing age limits of 12 years and 15 years for vehicles covered by the national permit system would be extended to 17 years and 20 years, respectively, for battery, hydrogen, and natural gas vehicles.

The decision comes amid efforts to promote cleaner commercial transport. The government has also proposed allowing national permit holders to opt for authorisation for up to five years instead of renewing it annually. The fee would remain at Rs 16,500 per year, making the fee for a five-year authorisation Rs 82,500.

Moreover, the VAHAN database could also be used to reduce paperwork. The draft also proposes changes to temporary registration rules. A chassis without a body would receive temporary registration valid for six months from the date of issue.

Where the chassis remains in a workshop beyond six months for body fitting or due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the owner's control, the registering authority could extend the validity by 30 days at a time on application and payment of the prescribed fee. For fully built vehicles being converted into adapted vehicles or registered in a state different from the state where the dealer is located, temporary registration would be valid for 45 days.

The proposed amendments also seek additional information in vehicle registration and permit forms. The ministry has invited objections and suggestions on the proposed amendments for 30 days from the date the notification is made available to the public.

The proposal is expected to provide relief to transport companies and auto component makers. It is also expected to increase the use of cleaner commercial vehicles, which is in line with the government's efforts to promote sustainable transportation.

The extension of the age limit for green commercial vehicles is a significant step towards reducing pollution and promoting eco-friendly transportation. The use of digital processes and the simplification of national permit procedures are also expected to make the process more efficient and reduce paperwork.

Overall, the proposal is a positive step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing pollution. It is expected to have a significant impact on the transportation sector and the environment.

The government's efforts to promote cleaner commercial transport are part of a larger plan to reduce pollution and promote sustainable development. The proposal is expected to contribute to this goal and provide a cleaner and more sustainable transportation system for the future.

In conclusion, the proposal to extend the age limit for green commercial vehicles is a significant step towards promoting sustainable transportation and reducing pollution. It is expected to have a positive impact on the transportation sector and the environment, and is in line with the government's efforts to promote sustainable development.