KOCHI: The transport department has issued a notification allowing diesel-powered autorickshaws to operate for 22 years without converting to green fuel or alternate fuel.
Earlier, diesel autorickshaws were asked to convert to CNG or other alternate fuel after operating for 15 years. The department had stated that 15-year-old diesel autorickshaws would not be allowed to operate after January 1, 2024.
However, according to the latest notification, the department has stated that the necessary infrastructure to convert diesel autorickshaws into alternate fuels is inadequate in the state.
Additionally, there is no such control on other diesel-operated vehicles in the state. These factors have forced the government to increase the age limit of diesel-powered autorickshaws. The notification regarding this was issued on February 14 of this year.