Driving the Transition to Cleaner Mobility: PARIVARTAN Scheme for Modernizing Trucks and Buses in Delhi-NCR
For decades, deteriorating air quality has remained one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). While significant steps have been taken to reduce emissions from passenger vehicles, ageing commercial vehicles, especially trucks and buses, continue to contribute substantially to particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. With rising freight demand and rapid urbanization, modernizing the commercial vehicle fleet has emerged as a critical priority for improving air quality and public health.
To address this challenge, the Government of India approved a vehicle fleet renewal initiative to replace old and high-emission trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR with cleaner Bharat Stage (BS)-VI compliant and electric vehicles (EVs). Approved by the Union Cabinet on 3 June 2026, the initiative aims to accelerate the transition towards cleaner mobility through financial incentives, policy support, and coordinated implementation.
The initiative was subsequently named PARIVARTAN - Programme for Accelerated Renewal and Incentivization of Vehicle Assets for Reducing Transport Air Pollution and Network Emissions - reflecting the Government of India’s commitment to advancing sustainable transportation and improving air quality in the region through cleaner and more efficient vehicle technologies.
A Comprehensive Programme for Cleaner Transport
The PARIVARTAN Scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹9,585 crore, including ₹5,041 crore as Central Government support. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will implement the scheme, while funding will be routed through the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
The programme covers the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the NCR districts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, ensuring a coordinated regional approach to reducing vehicular pollution. Detailed operational guidelines have also been approved to ensure transparent and efficient implementation.
Replacing the Most Polluting Vehicles
The scheme targets commercial trucks and buses registered in Delhi-NCR that comply with BS-IV or older emission norms, including Pre-BS, BS-I, BS-II and BS-III vehicles.
More than 1.9 lakh trucks and over 16,000 buses are expected to become eligible under the programme, making it one of the country's most extensive commercial vehicle modernisation initiatives.
By encouraging owners to retire ageing vehicles and replace them with cleaner alternatives, the scheme seeks to significantly reduce transport-related emissions while promoting safer, more fuel-efficient technologies.
A Strong Package of Financial Incentives
To make vehicle replacement financially viable, the scheme offers a comprehensive package of incentives for eligible beneficiaries purchasing new BS-VI-compliant diesel/CNG vehicles or electric vehicles.
The benefits include:
- 100% concession on Motor Vehicle Tax
- 100% waiver on registration fees
- 5% interest subvention on vehicle loans
- Up to 8% discount offered by participating Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)
- Monthly fuel vouchers for BS-VI diesel and CNG vehicles
- Equivalent one-time financial incentive for electric vehicles
Owners purchasing eligible used BS-VI vehicles will also receive financial support through tax concessions, interest subvention and fuel-related incentives, making cleaner technology accessible at lower acquisition costs.
Encouraging the Shift to Electric Mobility
The scheme provides additional support to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
Owners purchasing electric commercial vehicles will receive a one-time incentive equivalent to the discounted value of future fuel vouchers, substantially reducing the upfront cost of EV ownership.
For BS-VI diesel and CNG vehicles, beneficiaries will receive monthly fuel vouchers ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹4,800, depending on vehicle category, for a period of five years.
Electric vehicle buyers, in contrast, will receive a one-time incentive ranging from ₹64,000 to ₹2.56 lakh, providing immediate financial support while encouraging a faster transition to clean mobility.
Flexible Options for Vehicle Owners
Recognising the diverse operational and financial circumstances of commercial vehicle owners, the scheme provides multiple pathways for participation.
Eligible owners may:
- Scrap their old vehicle at a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) and avail the applicable incentives.
- Sell eligible BS-IV vehicles outside the NCR in designated non-National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities.
- Trade the Certificate of Deposit (CD) if they choose not to purchase a replacement vehicle.
These flexible options ensure that beneficiaries can adopt the solution best suited to their business requirements while supporting the broader objective of reducing vehicular pollution.
Region-Specific Approach to Cleaner Mobility
The scheme incorporates region-specific provisions to maximise environmental benefits.
In Delhi, all replacement Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) under the scheme must be electric, reinforcing the city's commitment to zero-emission urban freight transport.
In Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, beneficiaries may choose between BS-VI-compliant vehicles and electric vehicles, allowing greater flexibility while ensuring substantial reductions in emissions.
This calibrated approach balances environmental priorities with operational realities across the NCR.
Seamless Digital Implementation
The scheme will be implemented through a dedicated online platform—the Parivahan PARIVARTAN Portal—(https://parivartan.parivahan.gov.in) providing an end-to-end digital experience for beneficiaries.
Through the portal, vehicle owners will be able to:
- Check eligibility
- Register their vehicles
- Apply for incentives
- Track application status
- Access scheme-related information
The digital platform is designed to ensure transparency, efficiency and ease of access throughout the vehicle replacement process.
A Collaborative Effort
The PARIVARTAN Scheme is being implemented through coordinated efforts of the Central Government, State Governments, and the automobile industry. Participating States will provide up to 100 per cent Motor Vehicle Tax concession for ten years and full waiver of registration fees for eligible beneficiaries.
To facilitate effective implementation of the PARIVARTAN Scheme, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has signed MoUs with 11 leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs)—Ashok Leyland, Switch Mobility, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, SML Mahindra, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), Eicher Trucks and Buses (VECV), Force Motors, Pinnacle Mobility Solutions, Olectra Greentech Limited, and Montra Electric (TI Clean Mobility Private Limited). Together, these OEMs account for over 95 per cent of India’s domestic truck and bus market, ensuring wider availability of eligible cleaner vehicles.
The scheme will be overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, comprising the CEO, NITI Aayog; Secretaries of MoHUA, MoRTH, MoPNG, and DFS; Chief Secretaries of Delhi-NCR States; and Member Secretary, NCRPB as Member Convenor. At the district level, District Collectors/District Magistrates will facilitate implementation and monitor progress.
Towards Cleaner Air and Sustainable Growth
The PARIVARTAN Scheme marks a significant milestone in the Government's efforts to build a cleaner, more sustainable and future-ready transport ecosystem. By promoting fleet modernisation and encouraging the adoption of cleaner technologies, the initiative is expected to contribute to improved air quality and support India's long-term environmental and sustainable development goals.
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