West Bengal Seizes Unfit Govt & Private Vehicles, Stores at Depots for Phased Scrapping to Boost Clean Transport & Sustainable Mobility
In a landmark step toward sustainable mobility, the West Bengal government has announced the scrapping of nearly 22,000 government vehicles older than 15 years, including around 700 police cars, and their replacement with new electric vehicles (EVs).
The decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident where the pilot car of Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla suffered brake failure, leading to a fatal accident. The vehicle, later found to be over 15 years old, prompted the state to fast-track its plan to phase out ageing and unsafe vehicles.
According to officials, departments have already begun procurement of EVs, with instructions to prioritise electric models. Detailed lists, including registration numbers of vehicles due for replacement, have been sought from all departments.
Which Vehicles Will Be Scrapped?
The Transport Department’s list includes 698 police vehicles, 481 transport fleet cars, and 710 from state-owned organisations. Another 19,793 vehicles will be scrapped across Public Works, Panchayat, Public Health, and Technical departments.
To enforce the rule, the state has also started seizing unfit vehicles, both private and government-owned. Decommissioned vehicles are being stored in depots and open grounds, with scrapping to proceed in phases.
Alignment with Green Mobility Goals
Officials clarified that the move is in line with court orders mandating the phasing out of 15-year-old vehicles, though a review may be considered if the Supreme Court extends vehicle life norms.
By replacing outdated vehicles with EVs, the state aims to reduce vehicular pollution, cut fuel costs, and build momentum for cleaner transport adoption.This large-scale transition positions West Bengal as one of India’s frontrunners in government-led EV adoption, setting a strong example for other states to follow.
