Low-Cost Retrofit Could Help Older Diesel Trucks and Buses
The government is preparing to allow older diesel trucks and buses to use a low-cost retrofit emission-control device (RECD) developed from an innovation at IIT Delhi, potentially offering a cheaper way to reduce pollution from ageing commercial vehicles.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said the technology has completed testing and could be used on BS-III, BS-IV and older diesel vehicles. The device is expected to cost around ₹4,000–₹5,000.
Up to 90% Reduction in Particulate Matter
According to details shared by the minister, the RECD can reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 90% and nitrogen oxide emissions by around 60%.
The technology is intended to bring the emissions performance of older diesel vehicles closer to the stricter BS-VI standard without requiring owners to immediately replace the entire vehicle.
Similar emission-control technology is already used for diesel generator sets.
How the Retrofit Device Works
An RECD is fitted to a vehicle’s exhaust system and treats the exhaust before pollutants are released into the atmosphere.
In simple terms, the device acts as an additional pollution-control layer for an existing diesel engine. It is particularly aimed at older vehicles whose engines were designed to meet emission standards that predate BS-VI.
The technology therefore provides a potential middle ground between continuing to operate a highly polluting vehicle and purchasing a new BS-VI-compliant truck or bus.
Government Preparing New Standards
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is preparing to notify Automotive Industry Standard 228 (AIS-228) for the technology.
The standard is expected to specify the technical and performance requirements that retrofit emission-control devices must meet before they can be commercially fitted to vehicles.
This regulatory framework will be important because retrofit devices need to deliver consistent emission reductions across different vehicle models and operating conditions.
A Complement to Vehicle Scrappage
The government does not intend the retrofit programme to replace its existing vehicle-replacement and scrappage initiatives.
Instead, the technology is being positioned as a complementary measure for older heavy vehicles that continue to operate on Indian roads.
The government has already been pursuing schemes aimed at replacing ageing, highly polluting trucks and buses with BS-VI-compliant or electric vehicles.
For owners who cannot immediately replace a vehicle, a ₹4,000–₹5,000 retrofit could offer a considerably less expensive way to reduce emissions.
Potential Impact on India’s Air Pollution
Older diesel commercial vehicles are an important target for emission-control measures because they can remain in operation for many years.
If the retrofit technology performs as claimed and is deployed at scale, it could reduce particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions from a large existing fleet without waiting for every older vehicle to be scrapped.
However, the actual impact will depend on certification, installation quality, maintenance and how effectively the devices perform across different vehicle types.
Summary: The government plans to allow older BS-III, BS-IV and other diesel trucks and buses to use an IIT Delhi-linked RECD costing around ₹4,000–₹5,000. The device could reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 90% and nitrogen oxides by around 60%bringing older vehicles closer to BS-VI emission performance while complementing India’s vehicle-scrappage efforts.