Assam's Initiative for a Pollution-Free Future: Vehicle Scrapping Drive

The Assam Transport Department is taking significant steps towards achieving a pollution-free state by promoting the scrapping of old, polluting vehicles. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the initiative aims to address the environmental hazards posed by abandoned vehicles. Vehicle owners are encouraged to participate in the One Time Settlement process, which offers substantial financial relief. This article explores the details of the initiative, including the deadlines for vehicle registration cancellation and the benefits of participating in the scrapping program. Learn how you can contribute to a greener Assam.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 12:23 IST

Guwahati's Green Vision

Guwahati, Dec 17: In line with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's vision for a cleaner and greener Assam, the Transport Department is making significant strides towards eliminating vehicle pollution in the state.

To realize this ambition, the department is focusing on the scrapping of old, polluting vehicles, which are known to inflict considerable harm on both road infrastructure and the environment.

Recognizing the environmental hazards posed by abandoned vehicles and their parts scattered across government and private properties, public spaces, playgrounds, and busy streets, the Transport Department has urged vehicle owners and organizations to promptly scrap these vehicles.

The department has called upon individuals to take proactive measures in restoring ecological balance and safeguarding the environment in areas where these neglected vehicles have been left unused.

Gautam Das, Special Duty Officer (Transport), emphasized that to mitigate pollution from these end-of-life vehicles, the Assam Government is offering significant financial incentives to vehicle owners.

He explained that for vehicles deemed unfit for use but not yet deregistered, owners can scrap them by paying just 25% of their outstanding dues, thus benefiting from a waiver of up to 75% on unpaid taxes, and contributing to Assam's pollution-free initiative.

Das also noted that the One Time Settlement (OTS) process under the Assam Vehicle Scrapping Policy, 2022, will remain available until March of next year for the convenience of vehicle owners.

According to the notification (TMV/E194696/97 dated 15 May 2025) from the State Transport Department, the OTS scheme's validity has been extended.

Vehicle owners can cancel the registration of unfit vehicles until March 31 of the upcoming year.

Under the Motor Vehicles Act, government vehicles must have their registration canceled after 15 years, while private vehicle owners are required to either renew their registration or apply for scrapping at the District Transport Office's Registration Section.

If registration is not properly canceled, the vehicle remains 'active' in government records, including the VAHAN portal, leading to the accumulation of taxes and penalties over time.

Failure to pay these dues can result in additional late fees, complicating the process for owners to settle their obligations.