The Union Cabinet of India approved a Rs 9,585 crore [1] "Clean Mobility" scheme to replace old trucks and buses in Delhi-NCR.

The initiative targets the reduction of vehicular emissions in one of the world's most polluted urban corridors. By phasing out older engines, the government aims to lower the concentration of particulate matter, and improve public health outcomes for millions of residents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Union Cabinet approved a scheme that will work towards reducing pollution in the Delhi-NCR region and promote cleaner mobility.

The program specifically targets vehicles that meet BS-IV standards or are even older [2]. Under the new guidelines, owners of these aging vehicles can receive incentives to switch to electric models, or vehicles that are BS-VI compliant [3].

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the scheme is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions and contribute to improved air quality across the Delhi-NCR region.

This effort focuses on the heavy-duty transport sector, which often contributes a disproportionate amount of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter compared to passenger cars. The financial allocation of Rs 9,585 crore [1] represents a significant investment in transitioning the regional logistics fleet toward modern environmental standards.

The approval occurred this Wednesday, marking a strategic shift toward electric mobility in the national capital region. The government intends for the transition to serve as a model for other high-pollution urban centers across the country.

“The Union Cabinet approved a scheme that will work towards reducing pollution in the Delhi-NCR region and promote cleaner mobility.”

This policy represents a targeted fiscal intervention to accelerate the adoption of Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) and electric vehicle (EV) technology in India's most congested region. By providing a financial bridge for owners of BS-IV and older vehicles, the government is addressing the 'economic barrier' that often prevents fleet operators from upgrading to cleaner technology, effectively using state funds to force a faster transition toward a low-carbon transport infrastructure.