Government made a big announcement! Big relief for truck-bus drivers, no permit required for 7 years

The Central Government has taken a big decision for commercial vehicles running on alternative fuel. The focus of this step is to promote environment friendly transport and encourage the use of clean fuel. The government has given big relief to commercial vehicles running on clean fuels like battery (electric), methanol, ethanol and hydrogen, which is also expected to benefit the transport sector.

With this decision of the government, operation of trucks, buses and other goods and passenger vehicles will be easier than before. Also, this initiative is being considered an important step towards achieving the country’s net zero emission target by 2070 and strengthening the sustainable transport system. This will encourage companies and transport operators to adopt alternative fuel vehicles.

What discount is available?

Under Section 66(1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, it is generally mandatory for trucks, buses and other commercial vehicles carrying goods to obtain a permit for operation, but the Central Government has now exempted commercial vehicles running on clean fuels like battery electric, methanol, ethanol and hydrogen from the requirement of this permit for up to 7 years.

This exemption will be applicable to all commercial vehicles that use these alternative fuels. This will provide relief to transport companies and vehicle owners from the formalities and expenses related to permits. The government believes that this can lead to a rapid increase in the number of electric and other clean fuel trucks and buses.

What is the condition to avail the discount?

The government has also placed an important condition along with this relief. The benefit of this discount will be available only to those vehicles which have Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) of AIS-140 standard i.e. GPS based tracking system.

This device will provide real time location, speed and other important information of the vehicle, so that the concerned agencies will be able to better monitor the vehicles. The government says that this system is necessary to increase security and ensure compliance with the rules. If a vehicle does not have VLTD of the prescribed standard, it will not get the benefit of this exemption.

What will be the benefit to vehicle owners?

Exemption from the requirement of permit for 7 years can reduce the operating costs of commercial vehicle operators. Expenses on permit fees, paperwork and other administrative processes will be saved. This will provide relief to both small and large transport operators and may make investing in alternative fuel vehicles more attractive.

Along with this, the environment is also expected to get big benefits. The use of clean fuels like electricity, hydrogen, methanol and ethanol will reduce pollution and help in improving the air of cities. This step of the government can also strengthen initiatives like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.