Lucknow: In a bold push toward green mobility and cleaner air, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a decisive scrappage policy aimed at phasing out old government vehicles and replacing them with electric alternatives by 2030. The initiative, which reflects India’s larger transition toward sustainable transport, is already showing results on the ground.
The state has decommissioned 18,843 vehicles, of which 16,576 belonged to various government departments. With 15 scrap centres operating across Uttar Pradesh, the vehicle scrapping process is running at a steady pace. These centres play a crucial role in clearing old, polluting cars that are no longer fuel-efficient or roadworthy.
Under the policy, all government vehicles older than 15 years will be scrapped, and departments will switch to electric vehicles without the need for lengthy tender processes. This streamlined approach allows direct procurement, accelerating the shift to a cleaner fleet and reducing bureaucratic delays.
The roadmap is ambitious: by 2030, the state wants every government vehicle to be powered by electricity. The policy doesn’t just benefit government institutions—it also incentivises private vehicle owners. Buyers of new electric vehicles can enjoy up to five years of road tax exemption and receive financial incentives when exchanging old vehicles for new EVs. These benefits are expected to make electric mobility more affordable and attractive for the average consumer.
To support the growing fleet of electric vehicles, Uttar Pradesh is building a robust charging infrastructure. A total of 207 EV charging stations are being installed across nine major cities. In Kanpur, an Electric Vehicle Park is also underway to encourage clean vehicle manufacturing and service industries. This is not just an environmental measure—it’s an economic opportunity, generating green jobs in installation, maintenance, and innovation.
As the deadline of 2030 approaches, the scrappage policy is set to redefine mobility in India’s most populous state. It promises cleaner air, reduced fuel consumption, and a thriving green economy. Uttar Pradesh’s message is clear—polluting vehicles must go, and a sustainable, electric future is the road ahead.
