Latest news with #BSVI
News18
2 days ago
- Automotive
- News18
Delhi govt to invite innovative ideas for retrofitting BS-IV trucks
Agency: PTI Last Updated: New Delhi, Jul 22 (PTI) In view of the approaching ban on the entry of BS-IV trucks in the national capital, the Delhi government is going to invite innovative ideas for retrofitting of these vehicles to meet BS-VI standards, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said on Tuesday. The minister has directed the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to hold an innovation challenge to find technological solutions to the issue. The challenge will also involve finding solutions for reducing emissions of BS-IV compliant vehicles. 'The Innovation Challenge will be focused on identifying and promoting low-cost, easy-to-maintain and effective technological solutions capable of reducing/absorbing PM2.5 and PM10 emissions (of at least twice the amount emitted) from BS-IV vehicles operating," the minister said. PM2.5 are fine particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, about the width of a human hair. These are so small that they can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, posing significant health risks. On the other hand, PM10 are coarser particles with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less, about the width of 10 human hairs. While not as concerning as PM2.5, these can still irritate the airways and worsen respiratory problems. The government will also hold a competition inviting innovation for retrofitting of BS-IV trucks to meet BS VI standards, he said. From November 1, only BS-VI (Bharat Stage 6), CNG or EV commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter the city. 'If commercial vehicles won't be allowed to enter Delhi, it would lead to a crisis. We will hold this challenge to invite solutions for retrofitting of BS-IV trucks," he added. The Bharat stage emission standards are standards instituted by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from motor vehicles. The innovation challenge will be held in three stages — in the first stage, the proposal will be evaluated on the basis of paper submitted; the second stage will be focussed on carrying out an exhaustive study of the proposal following which Rs five lakh will be given for testing the technology. The certification will be given by The National Physical Laboratory (NPL), officials said. PTI SLB SLB KSS KSS view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
After Bengal's clean-air show, KP to double PUC-test kits
1 2 3 Kolkata: The Kolkata Traffic Police has received Rs 1.1 crore from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Friday to buy 30 new machines for measuring air pollution. This acquisition will more than double the city's capacity to monitor vehicle pollution. The tender process was completed earlier, and the work order has been released, sources said. All these machines are BS VI compliant. "There are currently 30-odd such machines at the disposal of the Anti Pollution Cell and 25 other traffic guards, all of them procured by KP around 11 years ago. But these are BS IV compliant, although BS VI-compliant vehicles have begun to hit the city," an officer said. Cops said they made the pitch in 2023 to get these machines, but various technical issues delayed their delivery through KMC. A Kolkata Police officer said the specific number of machines required by KP on the ground was determined after a survey. "While the plan is to give one machine to each guard, we are also planning to keep around seven machines for the AP Cell and the Special Raids section," an officer said. However, KP's plans to play a crucial role in improving the city's air will not be limited to checking vehicles for pollution. "At a time when Kolkata's air has got cleaner, Kolkata Police and other stakeholders are expected to get a larger share of grants to continue the good work. Some other proposals where KP can play a prominent role were also discussed in a recent meeting under the National Clean Air Programme," a source said. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Cops said they are procuring 30 more smoke meters to ramp up pollution tests across all guards. Special raids are being conducted against polluting vehicles, and the amended Motor Vehicles rules that attract enhanced fines are being enforced — violation of pollution norms invites a penalty of Rs 10,000 instead of Rs 1,000. Sources said the target date to bring down air pollution to a pre-set target level ends next year. "To achieve the goals by next year, yearly targets and missions were calibrated in the meeting," said a source. In 2023, Kolkata Police also proposed a Rs 31 crore equipment list — consisting of two Remote Sensing Devices, each worth Rs 3 crore; 400 licence reader cameras that use AI to identify public vehicles older than 15; and four drones to monitor garbage burning — in an effort to control air pollution in the city. The proposals have been submitted to KMC and other civic bodies. The development comes at a time when the state is prioritising pollution control in the city. Cops said their studies have shown three reasons for a rise in pollution, and all can be reversed through technical evaluation. "We found that a spurt in private vehicles and resultant slow traffic, coupled with old vehicles continuing to ply, and the burning of garbage, are all contributing to pollution" said an officer.
Indian Express
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Defer rollout: Mahindra to government on more accurate emissions test
Automaker Mahindra & Mahindra has requested the government to defer the implementation of a more accurate emissions measuring standard for passenger and light commercial vehicles, proposed to take effect from April 2027, The Indian Express has learnt. The draft norms, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on April 28, introduce a new testing procedure as part of enforcing the next phase of Bharat Stage (BS) VI standards. The Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP), which the European Union adopted in 2018, ensures that emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter from vehicles on the road more closely reflect results recorded in laboratory conditions. In its response to the draft notification, Mahindra & Mahindra, in a letter dated May 26, urged the Ministry that a 'standalone migration to WLTP be avoided' and its implementation be deferred. The automaker also suggested that the government wait until the upcoming Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) phase 3 norms — currently under discussion — clarify their position on adopting WLTP. While both CAFE norms and BS VI rules currently rely on the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC) for testing, they serve different purposes: CAFE focuses on fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions, whereas BS VI covers a broader range of emissions, including particulate matter and NOx, which are key pollutants. Although CAFE 3 norms have not yet been notified, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), the nodal agency framing them, proposed in June 2024 a shift from MIDC to WLTP starting March 31, 2027. 'Migrating to WLTP brings the emission and CO2 measurement closer to real world driving conditions. However, the emission worthiness of vehicles in Real Driving conditions have already been captured through Implementation of RDE (Real Driving Emissions) boundary conditions and its limits as part of Bharat Stage 6.2,' Mahindra said in its letter to the Ministry. The government is examining the merits of the automaker's claims, an official aware of the exercise said. Auto industry experts said that given Mahindra has a high diesel mix in its portfolio, it could pose a challenge for the company to comply with stricter norms since that would need after-treatment technologies to reduce emission of pollutants. Diesel engines account for more than 70 per cent of Mahindra's SUV sales. They said that Mahindra's pitch is to essentially delay the implementation of the third phase of the BS VI norms, given that the manufacturer has the highest exposure to diesel engines and could face the most amount of compliance burden when the WLTP norms are officially implemented. In response to a query, a Mahindra spokesperson said, 'We wish to not comment on the story.' The Ministry did not respond to a request for comment. BS VI phase two rules, which have been in place since April 2023, introduced the RDE test, which, unlike MIDC or WLTP, measures on-road emissions. The purpose of WLTP is to calculate a more accurate conformity factor vis-a-vis the RDE test. In other words, it aims to narrow down the convergence between laboratory and on-road emissions. BS VI norms were introduced in 2020, followed by the second phase with the introduction of the RDE test in 2023. From 2027, India is proposing to introduce the WLTP test cycle as part of the third phase of BS VI norms. Experts said that Mahindra's argument to seek a delay of WLTP norms hinges on the fact that under BS VI phase 2, real world emissions are already being captured. However, they also said that phase 2 has a much more relaxed RDE, with a conformity factor of 1.43, whereas under phase 3, the planned RDE has a conformity factor of 1. They said both CAFE and BS 6 phase 3 have been known for a long time to kick in from 2027, and many manufacturers have prepared for it. In its letter to the MoRTH, Mahindra said it expected that during migration to WLTP, there would be clarity on CAFE III norms as well, with an adequate development time to ensure compliance. 'This coherence is presently not established,' Mahindra said, adding: '…a standalone migration to WLTP be avoided, and its implementation be clubbed at a later point after clear definition of CAFE III on WLTP'. Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More Soumyarendra Barik is Special Correspondent with The Indian Express and reports on the intersection of technology, policy and society. With over five years of newsroom experience, he has reported on issues of gig workers' rights, privacy, India's prevalent digital divide and a range of other policy interventions that impact big tech companies. He once also tailed a food delivery worker for over 12 hours to quantify the amount of money they make, and the pain they go through while doing so. In his free time, he likes to nerd about watches, Formula 1 and football. ... Read More
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Delhi's clean air fight needs more than a blanket ban on old vehicles
Starting July 1, 2025, refuelling of old vehicles (15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel models) has been banned in Delhi to implement the mandate from the Commission for Air Quality Management. However, in the face of public fury, the Delhi govt has put this programme on hold, citing 'operational and infrastructural challenges'. While the fate of 62 lakh overage vehicles remains uncertain, questions have emerged around the purpose and the method of enforcing such measures for clean air. Why is it necessary to phase out old vehicles — especially old private vehicles? And is a sweeping age-based ban the only answer? Why aging fleets are a concern There is a reasonably strong case for replacing older vehicles with clean and near-zero emissions vehicles. The older vintages were designed under significantly weaker emission norms and emit far more pollution than those complying with the current Bharat Stage VI (BSVI) emissions standards. For instance, a BS III diesel car — over a decade old in Delhi — emits up to 11 times more particulate matter (PM) than a BS VI vehicle. A very old heavy-duty diesel truck meeting BS I norms can spew 36 times more PM than one meeting BS VI norms. Wear and tear only worsen these emissions. This is not fully captured by the current Pollution Under Control (PUC) certification system which relies on idle engine emissions. This method fails to measure pollutants under varied real-world conditions such as acceleration or variable speed of driving. Evidence also shows that a small fraction of vehicles is responsible for a disproportionate share of emissions. For instance, a national estimate by the International Council on Clean Transportation shows that pre-2003 vehicles constituted less than 20% of total vehicles but accounted for nearly half of all vehicular particulate emissions and a third of nitrogen oxide emissions in 2011. The accumulating old fleet can thus lock in enormous pollution. A rigorous emissions monitoring system should target such vehicles. That said, even newer vehicles can become high emitters if poorly maintained or malfunctioning. These too must be identified and addressed. There are also material benefits to retiring End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). A joint report by the International Energy Agency and NITI Aayog found that recycling ELVs and recovering critical materials can reduce raw material costs by up to 40%. However, India's current recovery rate stands at 70–75%, well below the global benchmark of 85–95%. Moving beyond age-based bans 122270629 While the clean-air benefits of fleet renewal are clear, a standalone and a blanket age-based ban is not a scalable and sustainable strategy. A more effective strategy would combine vehicle age with other indicators such as fitness, maintenance, and emissions performance. This can be complemented by targeted age-based bans as needed. The 2021 scrappage policy by the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH) defines ELVs as those without valid registration or deemed unfit through Automated Testing Stations (ATS). While all commercial vehicles have been mandated to undergo fitness tests only in the ATS nation-wide, the deadline has been extended. But Delhi can lead by enforcing ATS testing for commercial vehicles. However, stricter ELV criteria and better emissions tracking are also needed for private vehicles. More advanced on-road monitoring, like remote sensing, is needed to go beyond the PUC programme. Emission monitoring machines placed by the roadside can efficiently identify the worst polluters. Central rules need to be notified immediately to implement this. The scrappage policy can start with the worst polluters — like old diesel trucks and commercial vehicles — and gradually include other ELVs. To make this work, financial incentives will be required. The MoRTH policy allows for tax concessions, which states like Delhi have begun using. These can be strengthened with manufacturer buyback schemes and linked to cleaner or electric vehicle purchases to maximise emission gains. It is, however, clear that if fitness testing, emissions performance, selective bans with financial incentives are to serve as viable alternatives to blanket age-based bans, then emissions monitoring must be both advanced and stringent to identify ELVs effectively. Smart on-road monitoring and disclosure mechanisms must be part of the solution. Currently, it is evident from the VAHAN database of MoRTH that, as of July 2025, out of 8.7 lakh vehicles tested in the ATS nationally, only 304 vehicles have been officially declared as ELVs. Finally, the public outcry over age-based bans also reflects a deeper issue: the lack of adequate mass transport options. Delhi needs massive augmentation of public transport and mobility systems, along with vehicle restraint measures like parking management area plans with increased parking pricing, to restrain personal vehicle usage. Roychowdhury is executive director, research and advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment
Indian Express
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Delhi's fuel ban on overage vehicles kicks in tomorrow: What you need to know
Starting Tuesday, Delhi will begin enforcing a fuel ban on End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs) — diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles over 15 years. A total of 350 teams from various departments will be stationed 24×7 across all 498 fuel stations in the city to implement the measure. The enforcement drive follows orders issued earlier this year by the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM), which mandated that ELVs be denied fuel in Delhi starting July 1. As part of a phased rollout, a similar ban will take effect in five high vehicle density districts — Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat — from November this year. The rest of the National Capital Region (NCR) will come under the ban from April next year. Additionally, from November, vehicles registered in other states that are not BS VI, CNG, LNG, or electric will be banned from entering Delhi. According to internal documents, the enforcement plan is as follows: -Delhi Police personnel will be deployed at 100 fuel stations. These will be standalone teams. -In addition, 59 exclusive teams of the Transport Department will operate independently at designated locations. -Furthermore, 91 joint teams comprising Transport Department and Delhi Police officials will be stationed at 160-250 fuel outlets. These teams will be empowered to issue challans, with 91 police officers having been granted such authority by the Transport Department in 2020. -The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will also participate, deploying teams at 100 other fuel stations with the mandate to impound overage vehicles. The deployment plan was approved by the Secretary-cum-Commissioner of the Transport Department and shared with the Special Commissioner (Traffic) of Delhi Police and the MCD Commissioner. Given that there are 498 fuel stations in Delhi — 382 offering petrol or diesel and 116 offering CNG — the teams will be rotated across locations. A transport department official explained that deployment is based on fuel station locations and traffic patterns. 'Areas with lower vehicle traffic will see smaller teams, and hotspots with high numbers of ELVs will be identified. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will also help plug any gaps,' the official said. In line with CAQM's directive and National Green Tribunal guidelines, ANPR camera systems have been installed at all fuel stations. These systems will cross-check vehicle data against the VAAHAN database, alert station operators, and play an audio message if an overage vehicle is detected.
