No point in selective ban on vehicles: Additional transport commissioner

Taxis older than 20 and autos older than 16 are phased out so vehicles with newer technology can operate

Additional transport commissioner Satish Sahastrabuddhe spoke to HT about the ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

So far, 300 share-a-taxis and auto routes have been sanctioned, said the additional transport commissioner. (HT Photo)

Mumbai generated 4 million tonnes of CO2 last year. What is the state transport department doing to mitigate GHG?

All the autos and taxis in the city were converted to compressed natural gas (CNG). Taxis older than 20 and autos older than 16 are phased out so vehicles with newer technology can operate. Trucks and buses that run on diesel can ply only for eight years. If they convert to CNG or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), they can ply for up to 16 years.

China imposed restrictions such as congestion tax and a ban on two-wheelers. Are we considering such measures?

We give a 2% tax exemption to CNG and LPG vehicles. Battery-operated vehicles are totally exempt. In 2000, we suggested regulating private vehicles once a week. Vehicles ending in 1 and 2 would stay off the roads on Monday, 3-4 on Tuesday and so on. Only 1/5th vehicles would have been on the road any day of the week. This is being considered by the high court.

Following the pollution in Delhi, the government restricted heavy vehicles and introduced stringent parking laws. Are we considering such measures?

There is no point in selectively banning vehicles. We should improve the quality of fuel.

There seems to be no policy to promote public transport.

The state transport department advocates share-a-taxi and auto schemes. So far, 300 share-a-taxis and auto routes have been sanctioned. We will approve more if residents and unions demand them.

Is there a plan to promote for non-motorised transport?

This can be implemented in some pockets, but the municipal corporation, MMRDA and traffic bodies need to coordinate well.

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