Nitin Gadkari Backs 10–15 Year Vehicle Scrappage Rule at Auto Summit 2025
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari delivered a strong message on old diesel vehicles and rising pollution levels while addressing the Zee Media Auto Summit 2025. He reiterated that phasing out ageing diesel and petrol vehicles is essential for protecting public health and reducing India’s fuel import burden.
Call for Stricter Action on Older Diesel Vehicles
Gadkari emphasised that older vehicles pose a disproportionate pollution risk. He noted that emissions from one old truck are equivalent to those from three modern trucks. He argued that replacing vehicles older than 10–15 years aligns with public interest, while clarifying that the current scrappage rule in Delhi NCR is under the State’s jurisdiction.
Concerns Over Air Pollution in Delhi NCR
Highlighting his personal sensitivity to pollution, the Minister said he avoids staying in Delhi for extended periods due to deteriorating air quality. He called the situation life-shortening and urged the public to recognise the urgent need for cleaner mobility solutions.
Alternatives to Diesel and Petrol Vehicles
Gadkari promoted electric vehicles as a practical and economical substitute. He stated that monthly running costs for EVs could be significantly lower than diesel vehicles. He also encouraged motorists to consider converting cars to CNG where infrastructure is available, citing reduced fuel expenses and emissions.
Exam Oriented Facts
- Nitin Gadkari spoke on the 10–15 year scrappage rule at Auto Summit 2025.
- He highlighted that old vehicles emit far more pollution than new ones.
- EVs and CNG conversions were suggested as cleaner mobility options.
- The government is introducing flex-engine vehicles powered by ethanol.
Government Push for Flex-Engine Vehicles
The Minister revealed that India is rolling out flex-engine vehicles capable of running on ethanol-based fuels. He described ethanol as a low-cost, non-polluting alternative that benefits farmers and reduces reliance on imported diesel and petrol. He added that isobutanol made from ethanol is also being advanced as a viable diesel substitute.
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Subroto Mitra
December 9, 2025 at 7:48 pmCheck if vehicle is polluting before the call of 10-15 years. If vehicle is well maintained, it should be allowed to ply till minimum 15 years even if diesel and 20 years for petrol.
Mahesh Kumar Dubey
December 12, 2025 at 7:44 pmCan the minister explain what is the use of pollution certificate if 15 yrs is the guideline for scraping. He has not clarified whether it is for trucks or cars. Pollution control certificate has a history in hovt records. Why it is not bring linked. Secondly, I may have vehicle ,lamet us say 29 trs old, less used, under Pollution limits, why I should scrap ,that too compulsorily . Third point is givt charges life time road tax, can ge define what is the meaning of life tax and where it is defined about age of vehicle. This indicates corruption thru vehicle manufacturers. If govt has rile or limits defined for pollution limits. Why only this criteria should not be applied and not just gor Delhi or dense population cities but all over India. Minister must be ready to fiscuss in open forum. Having lecture and implementing without critical analysis amounts to playing with public and muduse of power.
RANJAN
December 13, 2025 at 12:10 amYes mr subroto, you are perfectly right. Scrapping vehicle based on age is desire of auto industry and their powerful lobby. The minister is not spending hard earned money for buying vehicles. On his desire the industry will provide free new vehicle to them every six months. Knowledgeable leaders should only be in politics. Also Scrapping good non polluting vehicles are individual and national wastage. We should concentrate on manufacturing in our other weak areas. The auto industry should concentrate on international market. We need knowledgeable politicians.