Transport Ministry Raises Renewal Charges for Old Vehicles to Discourage Use
In a push to reduce pollution and promote cleaner vehicles, India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has significantly hiked renewal fees for older vehicles. The policy, effective immediately, targets petrol and diesel vehicles older than 10-15 years, aiming to phase out high-emission automobiles.
New Renewal Charges & Policy Changes
Owners of older vehicles will now face much higher renewal costs for fitness certificates and permits:
– Private petrol cars (15+ years old): Fee increased from ₹5,000 to ₹15,000
– Diesel vehicles: Renewal now up to ₹20,000
– Commercial vehicles (trucks, buses): Fees doubled or tripled in some cases
The ministry has also introduced stricter emission tests—vehicles failing inspections must either undergo costly upgrades or be scrapped. This aligns with India’s Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021), offering incentives for voluntary retirement of old vehicles.
Why Increase Fees? Combating Air Pollution
India faces severe air quality issues, with six of the world’s top 10 most polluted cities (2023 World Air Quality Report). Older vehicles emit higher levels of:
– PM2.5 (fine particulate matter)
– Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
– Carbon monoxide (CO)
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari stated:
“Higher renewal fees will push owners toward electric or BS-VI compliant vehicles, reducing urban pollution.”
Public & Industry Reactions
✅ Environmental groups support the move as a needed step.
❌ Small business & truck owners argue fees are unaffordable without better subsidies.
Automakers like Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki are boosting EV & CNG vehicle production, anticipating policy-driven demand.
Will Higher Fees Work? Challenges Ahead
Critics highlight risks:
– Some owners may operate illegally without renewing.
– Lack of strict enforcement could weaken policy impact.
Anumita Roychowdhury (CSE):
“Fee hikes must be paired with better enforcement & scrappage incentives to succeed.”
What Should Old Vehicle Owners Do?
- Renew at higher cost (if emissions-compliant).
- Scrap & get benefits (5% new vehicle discount, road tax waivers).
- Switch to EV/CNG (use FAME-II subsidies).
India’s Green Mobility Future
This policy supports India’s 2070 net-zero emissions goal. While EV adoption grows, discouraging old vehicles remains key to cleaner air.
Will higher fees drive change or burden low-income owners? The coming months will tell.
