The center aims to replace two million old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR within a year

Vehicles commute through a thick layer of smog around New Delhi’s Akshardham area. | Photo credit: ANI

The Union government aims to replace over 2 lakh trucks and buses in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) with BS-VI vehicles or electric vehicles within a year under the PARIVARTAN scheme, bringing forward the two-year implementation schedule approved by the Union Cabinet, Roads Minister V Umashankar said.

Approved by the government on June 3 and launched on July 14, the PARIVARTAN (Programme for Accelerated Rehabilitation and Vehicle Asset Incentives to Reduce Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions) seeks to replace trucks and buses registered in Delhi and the emission districts of NCR Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh that conform to the older BS-IV norms. The program is funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and implemented by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Although trucks and buses make up only 3.1% of the region’s total vehicle fleet, they contribute 36% of PM2.5 emissions from vehicles, officials said at a press briefing to explain the rationale behind the scheme.

Lots of incentives

With a total financial outlay of ₹ 9,585 crore, including ₹ 5,041 crore in central budgetary support, the scheme offers an incentive package for eligible buyers of new BS-VI or diesel and CNG compliant vehicles as well as electric cars. These include 5% interest subsidy on eligible vehicle loans for five years, 100% road tax exemption for 10 years and exemption from registration fees. Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have already issued notifications providing these exemptions.

Eligible buyers will also receive a minimum of 8% off the ex-showroom price from participating vehicle manufacturers. Additionally, buyers of BS-VI diesel or CNG vehicles will receive monthly fuel vouchers ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹4,800 depending on the vehicle category for five years, while buyers of electric vehicles will be eligible for a one-time incentive ranging from ₹64,000 to ₹2.56,000.

So far, more than 1,300 beneficiaries have registered for the program on the PARIVARTAN portal. 42 banks and non-banking finance companies have been roped in to provide interest subsidy on vehicle loans, while 15 car manufacturers have signed MoUs to extend mandated rebates to eligible buyers, Mr. Umashankar said.

Eligible beneficiaries will have to scrap their BS-III or older trucks and buses to avail this scheme. However, BS-IV vehicles can be scrapped or sold outside NCR.

Published – 28 Aug 2026 23:06 IST