In a significant policy update designed to ease public inconvenience and combat rising pollution levels in Delhi, the transport department has officially removed the one-year deadline for applying for no-objection certificates (NOCs) for vehicles reaching the end of their operational life (ELVs).
Announced by Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, this decision is a welcome move for countless vehicle owners, particularly those with older diesel (over 10 years) and petrol (over 15 years) vehicles that were deregistered and subsequently stuck in a state of limbo.
This policy change effectively suspends a specific clause from the 2024 “Guidelines for Handling End of Life Vehicles in Public Places of Delhi.” Under the new directive, vehicle owners can now apply for NOCs to re-register their vehicles in other states, irrespective of how long ago their original registration expired.
Key Change and Problems Addressed
Previously, vehicle owners had a strict one-year window from their registration expiry to apply for an NOC. Failure to do so meant their vehicles were stranded, with no legal options for scrapping or transfer. This led to numerous vehicles being parked in residential areas and public spaces, contributing to visual blight and environmental concerns.
“By removing the one-year limit, we’re helping citizens move their old vehicles out of Delhi responsibly, easing congestion and improving air quality,” stated Minister Singh. He further elaborated that the one-year cap had created an unnecessary hurdle, preventing people from legally relocating their vehicles. The relaxation is expected to facilitate the movement of these vehicles out of the National Capital Region (NCR), contributing to a cleaner urban environment.
Officials noted that the decision was made after considering public feedback and internal reviews that highlighted the impracticality of the previous one-year restriction.
Benefits for Vehicle Owners
This updated regulation is built upon previous guidelines issued in 2021 and 2022, aligning with directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Authorities anticipate that this will not only streamline processes for vehicle owners but also help in reducing vehicular congestion and freeing up valuable parking spaces across the city.
The new policy is expected to be implemented immediately. With an estimated six million ELVs deregistered in Delhi by last year, of which around six lakh have already been scrapped, this change is projected to benefit millions of vehicle owners by providing a clear and accessible pathway for managing their older vehicles.