Bengaluru: 34 lakh vehicles aged over 15 years, but just 0.07 percent of these vehicles scrapped

Despite efforts by the Karnataka government to phase out polluting vehicles, the state's vehicle scrapping initiative has received a lackluster response. Launched in alignment with national policies aimed at retiring vehicles over 15 years old, the program has fallen short, with only 0.07 percent of eligible vehicles being scrapped over the past two years.

Also read: Bengaluru: Benefits for scrapping old vehicles will be streamlined and honoured soon

Bengaluru, with a staggering 34 lakh vehicles aged over 15 years, stands at the center of this issue. The city is home to 21 lakh two-wheelers, 7 lakh cars, and 6 lakh other vehicles, contributing significantly to the aging fleet problem. Statewide, nearly 1 crore vehicles—both private and government-owned—have surpassed the 15-year threshold.

25 percent road tax rebates

While government vehicles are mandated to be scrapped, private vehicle owners are under no such obligation, leaving the initiative dependent on voluntary participation. This has resulted in minimal compliance, despite the establishment of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs) in Devanahalli and Koratagere, which have processed just 5,000 vehicles, mostly from government fleets.

Incentives such as up to 25 percent road tax rebates and cash discounts on new vehicles have been introduced to encourage vehicle owners to scrap their old vehicles. However, these incentives have failed to make a significant impact. Environmentalists have pointed to insufficient awareness and poor enforcement of regulations as the root causes of the program's slow progress.