Diesel cars have not been banned in India. However, there is a frenzy of speculations among the automotive manufacturers, media houses and general public regarding a possible ban on diesel cars in India by 2027. The cat was set among the pigeons by the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, at an event organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers in the year 2023. Speaking at the event, the minister proposed a ban on diesel vehicles in major Indian cities, particularly those with populations exceeding 1 million, by 2027.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Energy Transition Advisory Committee have recommended a ban on diesel passenger vehicles by the year 2027 in cities with populations exceeding 1 million. However, the Government of India has not accepted the recommendation yet. A final decision is still pending in this matter.
City-specific Bans or Restrictions
While there is no blanket ban on diesel vehicles in India, several big cities in India have implemented or planning bans or restrictions on diesel vehicles. Such bans and restrictions are applicable on old diesel vehicles.
In Delhi-NCR, diesel vehicles over 10 years old were banned by the Supreme Court of India. However, the Delhi government has filed a petition, challenging the ban. Currently, the petition is under review and the ban has not been enforced.
In Bengaluru, private diesel cars older than 15 years are banned. Furthermore, commercial diesel vehicles like autos and taxis are also banned in the city. In Kolkata, there is a ban on diesel trucks and school buses which are at least 15 years old.
In Mumbai, restrictions are applicable on diesel vehicles older than 10 years in specific zones in the city. Hyderabad is gradually phasing out diesel vehicles from government departments and certain sectors.
Reasons for the Proposed Ban
Diesel vehicles are more polluting than petrol vehicles. To be specific, diesel vehicles emit higher amounts of nitrogen oxides, which cause acid rain and multiple kinds of respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis and more. Pollutants released by diesel engines lead to formation of ground-level ozone, which harms crops and plants.
India is striving to reduce carbon emissions and shift to cleaner forms of energy, as part of the commitments under climate agreements like Paris Agreement. Putting a ban on diesel vehicles is likely to help in reaching the required emission standards.
Diesel vehicles may be banned as a part of the government’s efforts to transition to electric vehicles or EVs.
Santosh Kumar is a Professional SEO and Blogger, With the help of this blog he is trying to share top 10 lists, facts, entertainment news from India and all around the world.
