In a major policy shift, the Delhi government has decided to revise its vehicle scrappage rules, allowing old petrol and diesel vehicles to remain operational under specific conditions. The decision marks a departure from the earlier regulation that mandated scrapping of petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years.
According to the Delhi Transport Department, vehicle owners will now have the option to retain their older vehicles by either converting them into electric vehicles (EVs) or registering them under alternative permitted categories. The move is expected to bring relief to thousands of vehicle owners in the National Capital Region who were facing forced deregistration.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot confirmed the update, stating, “We understand that many citizens have well-maintained vehicles and are willing to comply with emission norms. This policy change is designed to offer them flexibility while still prioritizing environmental concerns.”
Under the revised framework, owners can opt for EV retrofitting through government-approved centers, following which the vehicles can be re-registered. Additionally, special categories will be introduced for vintage or non-transport use, providing exemptions from scrappage.
Environmentalists, while cautiously optimistic, have urged the government to ensure strict emission checks for all retained vehicles. They argue that without proper enforcement, the move could weaken the capital’s efforts to combat rising pollution levels.
Meanwhile, industry experts believe the policy could boost the electric retrofitting market, creating new business and employment opportunities. “The retrofitting ecosystem is likely to grow, with more certified centers coming up to meet demand,” said a representative from the Delhi EV Manufacturers Association.
The new policy is also seen as a way to align with the Centre’s push for electric mobility while easing the economic burden on vehicle owners. Officials added that detailed guidelines, including eligibility and testing criteria, will be notified soon after further consultations with stakeholders and regulatory bodies like the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court.
The government has clarified that these revised rules will not compromise on environmental goals, and periodic inspections will be mandatory for all old vehicles retained under the new provisions.
The final notification of the updated policy is expected within the next few weeks.
