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Telangana to Ban Overage Vehicles Soon
Telangana to Ban Overage Vehicles by 2025
The Telangana government is gearing up to implement a strict ban on overage vehicles across Hyderabad and other districts of the state. This move is aimed at improving air quality and ensuring safer roads by reducing the number of outdated vehicles that contribute to pollution and pose safety risks.
According to the latest reports, the government is expected to begin enforcement of the ban from January 1, 2025. This initiative will target vehicles that have been in operation for more than 15 years, requiring owners to either scrap their vehicles or face penalties.
15-Year-Old Vehicles to be Scrapped
The new policy defines overage vehicles as those that are 15 years or older. These vehicles will need to be scrapped, as they are considered to have outlived their utility in terms of safety and emissions standards. Vehicle owners who continue to use such outdated vehicles will face strict penalties.
However, there is a provision for vehicles that still meet specific standards. According to the policy, if an overage vehicle successfully passes a fitness test, the owner can apply for an extension, allowing the vehicle to operate on the road for another 3–5 years. To do so, they will need to pay a green tax, which is a new levy introduced as part of the vehicle fitness certification process.
This exemption will not apply to around 10,000 government vehicles that fall under the overage vehicles ban in Telangana. These will need to be retired regardless of their condition, as part of the state’s commitment to leading by example.
Scrappage Policy: Impact on Hyderabad
In Hyderabad alone, the number of overage vehicles is significant. According to a report by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), there are approximately 17 lakh motorcycles, 3.5 lakh cars, 1 lakh goods vehicles, and 20,000 auto-rickshaws that fall into this category. The scrappage policy will affect a large portion of these vehicles, and owners will need to make decisions about whether to scrap or renew their vehicles based on fitness tests.
The overage vehicles ban in Telangana is being driven by both environmental and safety concerns. Older vehicles tend to emit higher levels of pollutants, contributing to air quality problems in urban areas like Hyderabad. Additionally, outdated vehicles often do not meet modern safety standards, making them more prone to accidents and breakdowns.
The policy will also provide opportunities for vehicle owners to participate in the government’s scrappage program, which could offer incentives for turning in overage vehicles. The details of these incentives are yet to be finalized but may include discounts on the purchase of new, more environmentally friendly vehicles.
Fitness Test and Green Tax for Exemptions
While the overage vehicles ban in Telangana is comprehensive, the government has made provisions for vehicles that are still fit for use. Vehicles that are 15 years or older but pass a mandatory fitness test will be allowed to operate for a limited period, typically 3–5 years. However, owners will be required to pay a green tax to compensate for the continued use of these aging vehicles.
This green tax will be collected as part of the vehicle registration process for those seeking an exemption from the scrappage policy. The fitness test will evaluate the vehicle’s emissions, safety standards, and overall roadworthiness. Owners who fail the fitness test will have no option but to scrap their vehicles under the new regulations.
The state government believes that this exemption, combined with the green tax, strikes a balance between environmental concerns and the practical needs of vehicle owners who may not be in a position to replace their old vehicles immediately.
Government Vehicles Also Affected
Interestingly, the overage vehicles ban in Telangana will also apply to thousands of government-owned vehicles. As part of its efforts to promote cleaner transportation, the Telangana government has announced that around 10,000 government vehicles, which are considered overage, will also be taken off the road.
Unlike private vehicles, these government vehicles will not be eligible for the fitness test exemption. This decision is part of a broader strategy by the government to demonstrate its commitment to reducing emissions and modernizing its fleet.
Vehicle Scrappage Policy: What Lies Ahead?
The implementation of the overage vehicles ban in Telangana is expected to significantly reduce the number of outdated, polluting vehicles on the state’s roads. However, the success of the policy will depend on several factors, including the efficiency of the scrappage program and the availability of new, affordable vehicles to replace those that are retired.
The Telangana government’s decision to pursue this policy is part of a broader trend across India to reduce vehicular pollution. Other states, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have also implemented similar bans, focusing on older commercial and private vehicles.
It is expected that the new scrappage policy will also boost the auto industry, as vehicle owners look for newer, greener alternatives to replace their aging vehicles. This could lead to a rise in demand for electric and hybrid vehicles, further contributing to the reduction of air pollution in Hyderabad and other cities.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Cleaner, Safer Roads
The overage vehicles ban in Telangana represents a significant step forward in the state’s efforts to combat pollution and ensure road safety. By retiring vehicles that are 15 years or older, the government aims to reduce emissions and promote the use of cleaner, more modern vehicles.
While there are provisions for vehicles that pass fitness tests, the overall goal is to ensure that overage vehicles are phased out, improving both air quality and road safety in Hyderabad and other districts. The policy will not only impact individual vehicle owners but also set an example by retiring government-owned vehicles.
With the enforcement of this policy starting on January 1, 2025, vehicle owners in Telangana will need to make important decisions about whether to renew or scrap their old vehicles. The introduction of the green tax and the fitness test ensures that only vehicles meeting the required standards will be allowed to remain on the roads, making Telangana’s streets cleaner and safer for everyone.
Disclaimer:
This article provides general information on the topic and does not constitute legal or professional advice. The details mentioned about the overage vehicles ban in Telangana are based on publicly available reports and may vary as more information becomes available.
