Emission standards likely for vehicles already plying on roads

The recent VW scandal regarding vehicle emission in India has influenced the road transport ministry to consider defining the guidelines for testing and validating the permissible range of emissions for vehicles that are already on the road. 

If implemented, this move could see random inspections of in-use vehicles of all makes and engine types to gauge compliance with the standards. India currently has Bharat Stage emission rules for new vehicles, however, there is nothing in place for vehicles that are on the road. “Variations are expected in emission levels of vehicles tested from the factory to those tested on the road,” a senior government official said. “However, there are no clear norms today defining permissible on-road emission levels, which would allow us to know if the variations are normal or of alarming propositions. We need to refine the rules.”

”There should be norms defining the permissible on-road level of emissions for each vehicle and engine type. Penalties should be imposed if significant deviations are found after factoring in the variations. These should normally comprise of the current stage of the vehicle’s lifecycle and the extent to which it has been maintained,” the official said. The road transport ministry will soon gather information regarding major regulations that are used globally. This will serve as a background for its upcoming regulations for on-road testing of vehicles in India. 

A standard for on-road testing of vehicles is vital to curtail the upsurge in pollution levels in India currently. Tough fines should be enforced on the manufacturer or the owner accordingly if we are to see any benefits.