The Environment Ministry orders 57 petrol cars and 3 cleaner-fuel vehicles in Delhi
A recent tender issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has drawn attention for its preference for petrol-powered vehicles, just days after a pollution control body recommended a shift to cleaner fuel alternatives in the National Capital Region (NCR).
On May 8, the ministry floated a tender on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal for the procurement of 60 new vehicles, intended for use in New Delhi. The estimated expenditure for the fleet is approximately Rs. 8.4 crores. Of the total, 57 vehicles are petrol-fuelled, including 27 Maruti Ciaz and 30 Maruti Dzire cars. Only three vehicles in the proposed acquisition fall under cleaner-fuel categories—two Toyota HyCross hybrids and one Tata Nexon EV.
This move comes shortly after the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) issued a directive on May 2, urging all government bodies, public sector units and institutions in the NCR to prioritise the procurement of battery electric, hybrid, or CNG-powered vehicles.
Conflicting Signals on Clean Mobility
The tender has raised concerns about mixed messaging on India’s environmental commitments. The CAQM advisory emphasised the need for public institutions to set an example by choosing low-emission vehicles to help mitigate the environmental impact of transportation.
The timing of the ministry’s tender has fuelled criticism, with observers pointing to an apparent disconnect between policy recommendations and implementation. Critics argue that government agencies must align their procurement decisions with broader national and regional goals on climate action and pollution control.
Broader Environmental Implications
Delhi has implemented several measures over the years to address air pollution, such as curbing construction activity during peak smog seasons and limiting vehicular movement. In this context, the environment ministry’s preference for petrol cars raises questions about policy coherence at different levels of governance.
Balancing Costs and Clean Tech
While the preference for conventional vehicles could be attributed to cost, availability or operational efficiency, environmental advocates argue that long-term benefits of adopting electric or hybrid vehicles—such as reduced emissions and lower running costs—should outweigh short-term considerations.
The central government has previously set an ambitious target of ensuring that 30% of all vehicles on Indian roads are electric by 2030. Several states have rolled out incentives and infrastructure support to accelerate EV adoption.
Looking Ahead
The Ministry of Environment has not publicly commented on the rationale behind the vehicle specifications in the tender. As Delhi continues to grapple with poor air quality, the decision underscores the need for stronger alignment between advisory bodies and government departments when it comes to implementing climate and pollution mitigation strategies.
Whether this procurement will be reviewed in light of the CAQM’s advisory remains to be seen. In the meantime, the episode highlights the ongoing challenges of transitioning to a cleaner and more sustainable transport system in India’s capital.
