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Tezzbuzz Desk- The government may bring a new relief for the owners of old diesel trucks and buses. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has given information about installing Retrofit Emission Control Device (RECD) in old diesel vehicles. The purpose of this device, which costs around Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, is to reduce pollution emitted from old vehicles.

According to Gadkari, this technology has been developed at IIT Delhi and its trials have been successful. Now work is being done to use it in BS-III, BS-IV and other old diesel vehicles. The government's aim is to make old vehicles cleaner at a lower cost, so that vehicle owners do not have to bear the financial burden of buying a new vehicle immediately.

Pollution particles can be reduced by 90%

RECD is designed to control harmful emissions from older diesel engines. According to Gadkari, this device can reduce particulate matter i.e. fine pollution particles by about 90 percent. At the same time, it has been claimed to reduce nitrogen oxide i.e. NOx emissions by about 60 percent.

If you understand in simple language, this device can be installed in an old truck or bus without changing its engine. Its aim is to bring the vehicle's emission levels closer to BS-VI standards. This may reduce the need for immediate replacement of old vehicles due to pollution.

Not an option for scrapping policy

The government does not plan to end the policy of scrapping old vehicles. RECD is being seen as an additional option along with it. Owners of such old trucks and buses, which are currently not covered under scrapping, will be able to reduce emissions at low cost through this technology.

The government is also preparing to set standards for the technical capability and performance of this device. Ministry of Road Transport Automotive Industry Standard 228 Working towards notifying. After this, it will be necessary to follow the prescribed technical standards for retrofit devices available in the market.

Focus on road vehicles after diesel generators

Gadkari said that similar emission control technology is being used to control pollution caused by diesel generator sets. Now the government is emphasizing on extending such technology to heavy diesel vehicles running on the road. This move is expected to especially benefit old truck and bus owners as buying a new commercial vehicle is quite expensive.

Concern over shortage of buses in the country

Gadkari also expressed concern about the public transport system. According to him, for every 1,000 people in India, about two buses are available, whereas globally this figure is around eight buses. He expressed the need to develop such public transport models in small cities which are less expensive than the metro.

Strict action against those who break traffic rules

Gadkari on violation of traffic rules negative point system Also reiterated the point of implementation. Under this, driving license can be suspended or canceled if penalty points exceed the prescribed limit. At the same time, the option of giving incentives from insurance companies to those having better driving records is also under consideration.

Also updated from October 2027 India NCAP A plan to implement the program has been outlined. In this, the safety of vehicles will be assessed keeping in mind the comprehensive 'safety chain'. The government aims to reduce road accidents and deaths.