Pune: The state transport department is all set to approve two vehicle scrapping centres in the city. “Two centres have been identified in Pune. The process of vehicle scrapping will be initiated within 2-3 months,” Vivek Bhimanwar, state transport commissioner, told TOI.
In 2021, when the scrapping policy was approved by the Centre, it was decided that vehicle scrapping centres, approved by the state govt, would be set up. In Maharashtra, only three of the total 12 centres have come up so far. Two of them are in Jalna district, and one is in Nagpur.
“Until now we haven’t received any communication from the transport department regarding the same. The centres will be monitored by the RTO and anyone wanting to scrap his or her vehicle will get a 10% tax concession on the new vehicle,” Swapnil Bhosle, Pune’s deputy RTO, told TOI. Another RTO official added that the transport department was in the process of identifying proper scrapping centres.
“The number of people coming to the RTO for purpose of scrapping their vehicles is less at present. People have several apprehensions, including whether the scrapping centres will do a correct job and whether their old vehicles won’t be used for ulterior purposes. Hence, a majority insist on keeping the vehicles with them even when they are over 15-20 years’ old and are no longer operational.
With the govt-approved centres, there will be full monitoring of the whole scrapping process. The RTO will also ensure that proper logs are maintained, and records shared with them,” the official pointed out. Somesh Kurgan, a Bibwewadi resident, who has an old two-wheeler, said, “While I know the process, I don’t want to take my scooter to just any scrapping centre.
Nowadays, one can get tangled in unnecessary hassles despite having valid documents with them,” he said. “As per rules, commercial vehicles above 15 years of age are mandated to be scrapped. When it comes to private vehicles, it is recommended that one scraps them, but owners can go for re-registration of the same for another five years but need to ensure that they pay green tax.
Also, vehicle owners need to ensure that the re-registration and green tax payment is done without any delay,” an official said. “People should come forward to scrap their old vehicles and refrain from using them due to environmental issues. With the opening of these two centres, we will ensure that they are well advertised and maintained,” the RTO official said.
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