Government issues draft for new testing and emission rules for BS-VI vehicles

The government is planning to introduce new BS-VI emission norms. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification. Besides, the government is also aiming to bring a new set of rules and regulations for hydrogen and ethanol/biodiesel based vehicles.

Notably, BS-VI emission norms came into effect on April 1, 2020, across the country. Touted to be a big technological step towards reducing air pollution, BS-VI emission norms are relatively strict. BS VI is basically the sixth emission benchmark or criterion for reducing pollution levels from vehicle engines.

The government sets standards to control the pollutants emitted from motor vehicles. It is called Bharat Stage (BS). These standards are set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

According to the government notification, vehicles/engines with biodiesel adulteration up to 7 per cent will be tested with diesel (B7) and vehicles with more than 7 per cent biodiesel adulteration will be tested with the respective adulteration. Hydrogen powered vehicles will be assigned NOX emission only.

Testing for dual fuel engines depends on the GER which is measured during the hot part of the WHTC testing cycle. GER categorisation will be as per AIS 137 and as amended from time to time. These rules will be applicable from April next year, as per the notification.

Earlier, the government had made the fitness test of vehicles mandatory through Automated Testing Stations. However, it has not been implemented at present. It will be implemented in a phased manner from April 2023. At the same time, for medium-sized freight vehicles or medium passenger motor vehicles and light motor vehicles (transport), this rule will be effective from June 1, 2024.

In its notification, the government said that any suggestions or objections on the proposed rule change should be sent to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on email at comments-morth@gov.in.