The Indian government has announced plans to permit the installation of a new emission-control device designed by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) on older diesel trucks and buses. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari confirmed that this innovative approach is aimed at significantly lowering pollutant emissions from these vehicles.

According to Minister Gadkari, the retrofit emission-control devices (RECDs) have demonstrated the ability to reduce particulate matter emissions by as much as 90 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by nearly 60 per cent. This technology can be fitted onto BS-III, BS-IV, and older diesel models, effectively bringing their emission levels closer to those of modern BS-VI vehicles. The initiative forms part of a broader environmental strategy to combat pollution caused by ageing diesel vehicles that remain in circulation on Indian roads.

Details of the Retrofit Emission-Control Device

The RECD functions by installing a pollution-control unit on existing diesel generators to purify exhaust gases prior to their release into the atmosphere. Essentially, it acts as an air purifier for exhaust, efficiently decreasing harmful pollutants including soot, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides.

The estimated cost of incorporating this device ranges from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, presenting a significantly more economical alternative compared to replacing old commercial vehicles with new BS-VI compliant models. This financial aspect makes the technology accessible for many vehicle owners.

Minister Gadkari announced these details on September 5, 2026, during an event hosted by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). He indicated that the technology had undergone successful testing, contributing further to the government’s ongoing initiatives to enhance air quality.

Regulatory Framework and Future Plans

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is currently in the process of finalising the Automotive Industry Standard 228 (AIS-228), which will set forth the necessary technical specifications and performance criteria that must be met by these retrofit emission-control devices. This regulatory framework is intended to ensure both safety and effectiveness in pollution reduction.

The government aims to integrate this new technology within its comprehensive strategy to diminish emissions from older vehicles, rather than solely focusing on the replacement of these vehicles. This dual approach reflects a commitment to enhancing environmental standards while accommodating existing transportation infrastructure.

With similar emission-control technologies already in place for diesel generator sets, the introduction of RECDs for commercial vehicles is seen as a functional expansion of existing solutions. By implementing these devices, the government hopes to curb the long-standing issue of vehicular pollution associated with outdated diesel vehicles on the roads.

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