The government has proposed a five-year extension in the permissible age of battery-operated, hydrogen fuel-based and natural gas-driven commercial vehicles covered under the national permit system. The proposal is part of draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to simplify national permit procedures and promote greater use of digital processes. The Ministry issued a draft notification on 10th august in this regard. The draft includes provisions for longer-duration national permit authorisations, revised temporary registration rules and greater use of the VAHAN portal. It also includes additional disclosure requirements in forms and inclusion of certain automotive component manufacturers within the trade certificate framework.
The draft also proposes allowing national permit holders to obtain authorisation for up to five years instead of renewing it every year. While the annual fee would remain 16,500 rupees, the five-year authorisation would cost 82,500 rupees. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has invited objections and suggestions for 30 days from the notification’s public release.
