The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has clarified that the Indian government has not yet accepted the recommendation to ban diesel four-wheelers in cities with a population of more than 1 million.
The recommendation was made by the committee constituted on energy transition, which suggested the adoption of electric and gas-powered vehicles along with banning diesel-powered vehicles in big cities by 2027.
The committee also recommended phasing out conventional motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers by 2035.
The ministry stated that the government is yet to accept the committee’s report.
What the Report Says
The committee’s report, submitted to the government in February 2023, recommended that India should ban the use of diesel-powered four-wheelers by 2027 in cities with a population of more than one million.
The committee also suggested promoting electric and gas-powered vehicles.
Additionally, it recommended phasing out motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers with internal combustion engines by 2035.
Cancellation of Registration of Old Vehicles
The Delhi Transport Department canceled the registration of over 54 lakh old vehicles, including autorickshaws, cabs, and two-wheelers, until March 27.
The cancellation includes vehicles registered as early as 1900. In 2018, the Supreme Court had banned diesel and petrol vehicles older than 10 and 15 years in Delhi, adding that violating vehicles would be seized. T
he National Green Tribunal (NGT) also banned vehicles older than 15 years from being parked in public places in 2014. As per data, the highest number of vehicles were canceled from South Delhi Part 1.
A total of 9,285 three-wheelers and 25,167 cabs were stopped until March 27.
