While commuters in the national capital are preparing to follow the Delhi government’s diktat on use of private cars, four-wheeler manufacturers logging higher sales from diesel models may have to rethink their business strategy for the city.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday came out with an order saying that diesel passenger vehicles will not be registered in Delhi. Also, there will be no renewal of registrations for diesel vehicles more than 10 years old.
A few days ago, the Delhi government had announced the use of even- and odd-numbered private cars on alternate days to reduce pollution.
Industry veterans, however, doubt whether these moves will make Delhi pollution-free. They point out that automobiles are not the only polluting factor in the city.
Ironically, even the NGT has questioned the Delhi government about the even-odd formula, saying it may not achieve its desired purpose.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said the formula will be implemented on a trial basis for the first 15 days of January and, if successful, it will be continued.
According to a IIT-Kanpur study, trucks and two-wheelers account for more pollution than passenger cars. “Such decisions may go against climate change debate, where experts are saying diesel vehicles emit lesser CO{-2} than petrol variants,” an industry official said.
According to the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), trucks entering and passing via Delhi are the main pollutants and the government must impound such vehicles, which are most of the time overloaded too.
Public transportMeanwhile, to spruce up public transportation in the city, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai met Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu seeking support to increase the frequency of suburban railway services. Options to increase the electrical multiple unit (EMUs) were discussed, and a committee under the head of Divisional Railway Manager, Delhi, has been formed to improve the system.
The Delhi Transport Department has also met the auto-rickshaw drivers union, urging them not to overcharge commuters during the 15-day trial period.