The West Bengal government is taking steps to replace around 22,000 old vehicles, many of which are over 15 years old. This includes about 700 police cars that are set to be scrapped and replaced with new, eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs). The process to identify and withdraw these outdated vehicles has already begun, a government official confirmed.
All departments have been instructed to send in the details of their vehicles, including their registration numbers, so that the government can replace them with newer models. The list covers a wide range of vehicles — from small cars to sedans and police vehicles.
The move to retire old vehicles gained urgency after a police pilot car used by Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla had a brake failure and caused a fatal accident last week. The car was found to be over 15 years old, prompting authorities to act to prevent similar incidents.
Since then, some departments have already started purchasing new vehicles, with a special focus on electric cars to promote cleaner transportation. According to the Transport Department, out of the total, 698 police vehicles, 481 transport department vehicles, and 710 vehicles belonging to various state organizations will be scrapped.
Beyond these, nearly 20,000 vehicles from other government departments like Public Works, Panchayat, Public Health, and Technical Education will also be replaced. Overall, the government plans to scrap around 22,000 vehicles in total.
The Transport Department has also begun cracking down on unfit vehicles, whether private or government-owned. Many older, unusable vehicles are being seized and removed from service. Some of the scrapped vehicles are currently stored in government depots and open spaces, to be dismantled gradually.
If the Supreme Court extends the 15-year age limit for vehicles, the state government will reconsider whether to put these vehicles back on the road. Right now, the process of retiring these old vehicles is proceeding in line with court orders to ensure road safety and environmental benefits.
This move aims to modernize the government fleet and promote electric vehicles, making transportation safer and greener for West Bengal.
