The West Bengal government has launched an ambitious initiative to scrap nearly 22,000 vehicles over 15 years old across its departments. The move, already in progress, targets outdated vehicles primarily in the police, transport, and public sector undertakings, with a strong emphasis on replacing them with eco-friendly electric vehicles (EVs), according to a senior state official.

The cleanup drive, described as a significant step toward efficiency and environmental responsibility, has identified 698 vehicles from the police department, 481 from the transport sector, and 710 from various public sector undertakings for decommissioning. Additionally, over 19,000 vehicles from departments like Public Works, Panchayat, and Public Health Engineering have been earmarked, bringing the total to approximately 22,000. “The transport department has begun cataloging these aged vehicles and has issued instructions to all departments to withdraw them from service,” the official told PTI.

The initiative goes beyond simply retiring old vehicles. The state is prioritizing the procurement of electric vehicles to replace the decommissioned fleet, aligning with sustainable and eco-friendly practices. “We’re moving toward greener alternatives to conventional fuel-based vehicles,” the official said, highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

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In a parallel shift, many departments are transitioning from owning vehicles to renting them for official use. This change aims to enhance flexibility, cut costs, and curb the misuse of government vehicles. “There have been cases where vehicles were used for personal purposes or allocated to unauthorized individuals,” the official noted. “By scrapping these vehicles and adopting a rental model, we aim to address these irregularities and streamline operations.”

The decommissioned vehicles are being relocated to government-owned depots and open spaces, where they will be stored until they are scrapped in phases. The entire process adheres strictly to Supreme Court directives on vehicle disposal, ensuring compliance with environmental and legal standards.

The scrapping initiative reflects West Bengal’s broader vision of modernizing its administrative framework while tackling environmental concerns. By phasing out outdated vehicles and embracing electric alternatives, the state is setting a precedent for sustainable governance. The move is also expected to improve accountability in the use of government resources, reducing instances of misuse and enhancing operational efficiency.

As the scrapping process continues, departments have already begun procuring replacement vehicles, with a focus on EVs to support the state’s green agenda. This ambitious overhaul signals West Bengal’s commitment to a cleaner, more efficient future, with the potential to inspire similar initiatives across India’s public sector.

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