Telangana is set to enforce a new vehicle scrappage policy beginning January 1, 2025. Under this policy, vehicles older than 15 years that fail to pass the mandatory fitness test will be required to be scrapped. These vehicles will not be permitted to register or operate on roads. Owners will need to either scrap their vehicles or face fines if they are caught driving them. However, vehicles that pass the fitness test can remain in use for an additional 3-5 years by paying a green tax.
The new rule will also apply to government vehicles. Approximately 10,000 government-owned vehicles will need to be scrapped once they reach 15 years of age, regardless of their condition. This policy follows Delhi's lead, where similar regulations are already in place.
Telangana has over 3 million vehicles that are 15 years old or older, with 2 million of these in Greater Hyderabad. This includes 1.7 million two-wheelers, 350,000 cars, and 100,000 goods carriages. To encourage vehicle scrapping, the government is considering offering a 10-15% rebate on motor vehicle tax for those purchasing new vehicles.
The policy also targets at least 1,000 RTC buses and 2,000 school buses, which are categorized for scrapping. In 2022, over 1,000 road accidents involved vehicles older than 15 years, leading to 418 deaths and more than 1,100 injuries. Road safety experts highlight that these aging vehicles are prone to mechanical failures, such as brake and clutch issues, posing significant safety risks.
Transport officials have urged the government to include aging government vehicles, such as GHMC tippers, ambulances, fire engines, and RTC buses, in the scrappage plan due to their high pollution levels. Three companies have already committed to setting up scrapping facilities in the state.
Telangana, Vehicle Scrappage Policy, 15-Year-Old Vehicles, Road Safety, Government Vehicles, Green Tax, Vehicle Registration, Pollution Control
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