Government set to ban trucks over 15 years of age from April

The Government of India is planning to ban all trucks over 15 years of age from April 1, 2016. The step is being taken in an attempt to curb the rising levels of pollution in the county. According to a report by the World Health Organisation, 13 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India. New Delhi, the national capital stood first in the list.

An order banning the use of goods carriers more than 15 years of age is likely to be made public within 10 days. The ban can be brought into effect with an amendment in the Motor Vehicles Act and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Approximately 2.7 million registered trucks were plying on India's roads in the year 2000.

At present, the Central Motor Vehicles Rules allow a truck to ply on a national permit for a period of 15 years. After that, it can operate only with a state permit and is used for local transportation of goods only.

While industry players are will welcome the ban on 15 year old trucks, operators are not likely to be happy with it. Experts believe that along with the ban, a scrapping policy should be introduced as well.

Source: Business Standard