The government of Odisha has taken a firm step towards a greener, more modern administrative fleet by issuing a directive to all its departments to scrap official vehicles that are more than 15 years old. With a strict deadline of October 15, 2025, this move is a clear signal of the state’s commitment to reducing vehicular pollution, improving operational efficiency, and leading by example in the national push for sustainable transportation.
Driving a Green Transition from Within
This initiative is a core component of both state and national vehicle modernization policies. Led by the Commerce and Transport Department, the directive is not merely about disposing of old vehicles; it is a strategic decision to replace them with newer, more fuel-efficient models, with a strong emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs). By doing so, the government aims to significantly reduce its own carbon footprint and set a powerful precedent for private vehicle owners and commercial fleet operators across the state.
Odisha has already made substantial progress in this area. By March 31, 2025, the state had successfully scrapped approximately 4,000 old government vehicles. This achievement was recognized by the central government, which provided Odisha with a special financial assistance of ₹300 crore, underscoring the collaborative nature of this national environmental mission.
A Framework of Financial Incentives
To encourage states to accelerate their vehicle scrapping efforts, the Union Ministry of Finance has put in place an attractive incentive scheme. This financial support is tiered based on the number of vehicles a state successfully scraps, creating a strong motivation for swift and large-scale action. The incentive structure is as follows:
- Up to 500 vehicles scrapped: ₹50,000 per vehicle.
- 501 to 1,000 vehicles scrapped: ₹60,000 per vehicle.
- Over 6,000 vehicles scrapped: ₹1.5 lakh per vehicle.
To ensure that the scrapping process is conducted in an environmentally sound manner, all vehicles must be processed at Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities (RVSFs). The entire process is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through the central VAHAN database, ensuring transparency and accountability.
A Wide-Reaching Impact Across Departments
The scale of this initiative is significant, with over 6,200 old vehicles identified for scrapping across various government departments. The breakdown reveals a wide-ranging impact:
- The Home Department has the largest number of vehicles to be scrapped, with 3,156 units.
- The Commerce and Transport Department will scrap 484 vehicles.
- The Housing and Urban Development Department will dispose of 426 vehicles.
- Other key departments, including Health and Family Welfare, Forest and Environment, and Water Resources, will also contribute to this green transition.
By systematically phasing out its older, less efficient vehicles, the Odisha government is making a tangible contribution to cleaner air and a healthier environment. This decisive action is a model for public sector leadership in sustainability and a crucial step in India’s journey towards its climate goals.
