West Bengal Launches Major Initiative to Scrap 22,000 Old Vehicles

The West Bengal government has initiated a significant cleanup drive targeting nearly 22,000 vehicles that are over 15 years old. This initiative aims to modernise the state’s fleet, particularly impacting vehicles used by various government departments, including the police and transport sectors. According to a senior official, the decommissioning process is already underway.

The push to scrap these aged vehicles includes at least 698 vehicles from the police department, 481 from the transport sector, and 710 from various public sector undertakings. Additional vehicles from departments such as Public Works, Panchayat, and Public Health Engineering (PHE) have been identified for removal, bringing the total nearing 22,000.

Transition to Electric Vehicles

The West Bengal transport department has commenced the identification and removal of these outdated vehicles from service. Each department has received a list detailing the registration of the vehicles slated for decommissioning. Many of these vehicles have been in operation for over a decade and a half.

As part of this transition, the state government is prioritising the procurement of electric vehicles to replace the old ones. The official stated, “In a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly practices, the procurement of electric vehicles is being prioritised over conventional fuel-based ones.” Some departments are also opting to hire vehicles for official use, moving away from ownership entirely.

This strategic decision not only considers budgetary constraints but also aims to enhance operational efficiency. “A significant number of vehicles are now being rented, marking a major change in how government transport services are managed,” the official explained.

Addressing Misuse and Compliance

The initiative also aims to address the misuse of government vehicles. The official highlighted the commonality of vehicles being used for personal purposes rather than official duties. “It is widely acknowledged within administrative circles that many government vehicles are often used for personal rather than official work,” he noted. By removing a large number of vehicles from service, the government expects to curtail these irregularities.

Regarding the fate of the decommissioned vehicles, they are being relocated to various government-owned spaces and depots. These vehicles will be stored there until the scrapping process is completed in phases. The entire operation is being carried out in strict compliance with directives from the Supreme Court.

This significant initiative reflects the West Bengal government’s commitment to modernising its fleet while promoting sustainability and efficiency in public service.