Government Aims to Boost Green Transport
The Indian government has put forward a significant proposal to extend the operational age limit for specific categories of commercial vehicles. Under draft amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, battery-operated, hydrogen fuel-based, and natural gas-driven vehicles operating under the national permit system would see their age limit extended by five years.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is designed to encourage the adoption and long-term use of cleaner vehicles in the country's commercial transport sector. The proposed changes would increase the existing 12-year and 15-year limits to 17 and 20 years, respectively, for vehicles covered by Rule 88 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules.
The draft rules were published on August 10, 2026, and the government has provided a 30-day window for stakeholders and the public to submit objections and suggestions. The amendments will only come into effect following their final publication in the Official Gazette.
Broader Reforms for National Permits and Vehicle Documentation
Beyond the age limit extension, the proposal is part of a wider set of reforms aimed at streamlining vehicle-related processes. These amendments include efforts to simplify the national permit application process and enhance the use of online documentation.
Key changes include provisions for longer-duration national permit authorizations, allowing applicants to obtain permits for up to five years electronically. The fee for this extended authorization would be ₹16,500 per year, totaling ₹82,500 for a five-year period. Applications (Form 46) and authorizations (Form 47) would be handled digitally, with electronic payment receipts accepted.
The draft also introduces revised temporary registration rules, allowing a chassis without a body to receive a six-month temporary registration. This can be extended by 30 days at a time if the vehicle remains in a workshop for body fitting or due to unforeseen circumstances. Furthermore, the VAHAN portal's utility will be expanded, automatically fetching details for various forms. Applicants will also be required to provide an Aadhaar-linked mobile number in Form 20 and record agreement or loan account numbers for hire-purchase, lease, or hypothecation arrangements.
Driving Cleaner Commercial Fleets
The government's push for extending the lifespan of green commercial vehicles aligns with its broader environmental goals. The move seeks to address barriers to cleaner vehicle adoption, such as the high upfront costs and limited financing options highlighted in NITI Aayog's 2025 EV report. This report noted relatively low electric truck adoption, with 6,220 electric trucks sold in 2024, including only 280 above 3.5 tonnes.
By allowing these vehicles to operate for longer periods, the government hopes to improve their economic viability for commercial operators, thereby accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly transport infrastructure in India.