Noida, Aug 18 (APAC Media): The centre has proposed extending the permissible age limit of battery-operated, hydrogen-powered and natural gas-driven vehicles by five years, in a move aimed at encouraging the wider adoption of cleaner fuels and giving fleet operators greater flexibility in managing their commercial vehicles.
The proposal is part of a set of draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders regarding the proposed changes before making a final decision.
Under the draft amendments, vehicles operating under the national permit system and powered by battery, hydrogen or natural gas could be allowed to remain in service for an additional five years over the existing age ceiling.
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The proposed relaxation would effectively increase the age limit from 12 years to 17 years for vehicles currently subject to the lower threshold, while those covered by the 15-year limit could be permitted to operate for up to 20 years.
The move assumes significance as India continues to push for cleaner mobility and a gradual shift away from conventional fossil-fuel-based transportation. Extending the operational life of alternative-fuel vehicles could help improve their overall economic viability by allowing owners and fleet operators to recover their investments over a longer period.
The government, however, has clarified that the proposed extension is targeted at specific cleaner vehicle technologies and does not amount to a general relaxation of age limits for all commercial vehicles.
The draft notification was issued on August 10, and stakeholders have been given 30 days to submit their feedback. The proposed amendments will come into force only after they are finalised and published in the Official Gazette.
Alongside the proposed age-limit extension, the ministry has suggested changes aimed at making the national permit system more streamlined and technology-driven. Under the proposed framework, national permit authorisations could be issued electronically for periods of up to five years, at the applicant’s option, subject to the applicable fee.
The ministry has also suggested better connection with the VAHAN vehicle-registration system to cut down on paperwork and manual data entry. Information about vehicles and dealers could be accessed online, and updated application forms would collect more details, like GST registration numbers, PAN, Udyam registration, and corporate identification numbers when needed.
Further changes have been proposed to temporary registration procedures, including provisions for vehicles whose chassis have yet to receive bodies and vehicles being converted into adapted vehicles.
The proposed amendments form part of the government’s broader effort to modernise vehicle regulations, simplify permit procedures and create a regulatory framework more supportive of cleaner and emerging mobility technologies.
–ENDS–
Disclaimer:Â This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information. APAC Media is not responsible for investment decisions or losses. Please conduct your own research or consult a financial adviser before investing.
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