Karnataka leads India in PM2.5 emissions as old trucks stall BS-VI shift

A CSTEP study reveals Karnataka tops the country in PM2.5 emissions from heavy commercial vehicles, with ageing trucks and poor BS-VI adoption fuelling toxic air.

Karnataka has emerged as the country’s top contributor to PM2.5 emissions from heavy commercial vehicles, according to a new analysis by the Centre for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). The state releases 13.6 Gg (13,600 tonnes) of PM2.5 annually from this category, signalling a deepening urban pollution crisis.

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Despite the rollout of Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) norms in 2020, Karnataka continues to grapple with thousands of ageing trucks. Official data shows over 40,000 BS-II and 1.12 lakh BS-III vehicles are still on the road, compared to only 44,566 BS-VI vehicles. Experts warn these old trucks, especially when poorly maintained, act as “super-emitters” – spewing 4 to 11 times more emissions than modern vehicles.

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Nearly 23% of the fleet in 2022 fell into the super-emitter category, amplifying the state’s pollution burden. While BS-I and BS-II vehicles form only 2–10% of the fleet, they contribute 10–35% of emissions. Similarly, BS-III trucks account for 45% of emissions, underlining the urgency of phasing them out.
The study also cautions that if business continues as usual, the number of polluting heavy commercial vehicles will rise by 27% by 2035. Weak scrappage policies, poor retrofitting, and gaps in enforcing low-emission zones are worsening the challenge.

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Environmental experts stress that stricter enforcement, faster BS-VI adoption, and promotion of cleaner fuels are crucial to reverse the trend. Unless targeted policies are implemented, Karnataka’s struggle with vehicular pollution will intensify, choking both cities and highways alike.

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