Delhi Govt Clears PARIVARTAN Scheme Implementation To Phase Out Old Polluting Commercial Vehicles

New Delhi, Jul 22 (KNN) The Delhi Cabinet has approved the implementation of the PARIVARTAN scheme, aimed at reducing transport-related air pollution by replacing ageing commercial vehicles with cleaner alternatives. 

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Monday.

The scheme, introduced by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), focuses on phasing out older, high-emission trucks and buses operating in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). It encourages owners to switch to electric or BS-VI compliant vehicles through a range of financial incentives.

Scheme Outlay and Coverage

The PARIVARTAN programme has a total financial outlay of Rs 9,585 crore, of which Rs 5,041 crore will be contributed by the Centre. The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on June 3, while detailed guidelines were issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs on July 16.

According to the Delhi government, around 2.07 lakh truck and bus owners across Delhi-NCR are expected to benefit from the initiative.

Incentives for Vehicle Replacement

Under the scheme, owners of BS-IV or older light goods vehicles (LGVs) who scrap their vehicles and purchase new electric LGVs will receive a 100 per cent exemption on motor vehicle tax and registration fees for 10 years. 

Additional benefits include a 5 per cent interest subsidy, an 8 per cent discount from manufacturers, and fuel vouchers or an equivalent one-time financial benefit.

Those opting to purchase used electric LGVs will receive a 50 per cent tax exemption for 10 years, along with similar interest support and fuel-related benefits.

For medium and heavy goods vehicles, owners replacing BS-IV or older vehicles with new BS-VI or electric models will be eligible for full tax and registration fee waivers for a decade, along with interest subsidies, manufacturer discounts, and fuel incentives. Similar provisions apply to buyers of used compliant vehicles.

Focus on Buses and Compliance

The scheme also covers older buses, which can only be replaced with BS-VI CNG or electric models. Additionally, vehicles scrapped under the programme will be exempted from pending road tax and fitness penalties older than one year.

Notably, BS-IV vehicles may be sold outside NCR regions that are not covered under stricter emission norms, instead of being scrapped.

Implementation and Objectives

The initiative will be operated through a dedicated digital portal developed by the Union road transport ministry to ensure a transparent and streamlined process.

The Delhi government said the scheme aligns with the goals of the Delhi EV Policy-2026 and is expected to accelerate the transition to cleaner mobility while modernising the commercial vehicle fleet. 

(KNN Bureau)