PANAJI
Goa government’s efforts to implement the Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2023 seem to be facing challenges.
Around 1.9 lakh vehicles including 521 government vehicles have exceeded 15 years in age and are thus fit for scrapping in the first phase. However, these vehicles will continue to ply on the roads, at least for now, as the policy is struggling to attract investors to set up a scrapping yard for these vehicles.
The government initially set a deadline of October 31 for interested bidders but with only one firm expressing interest, the deadline has been extended to December 31. This is despite numerous inquiries recorded on a daily basis.
“We hope the extended deadline will provide stakeholders with more time to consider bidding for the project,” an official said.
Sources said that the lackluster response could be primarily because of the relatively low number of government vehicles identified for scrapping. Moreover, challenges of acquiring vast and expensive land and apprehending opposition from the locals -- who have been resistant to various government projects -- are also contributing factors deterring bidders from taking part in the scrapping process.
“The number of government vehicles for scrapping, in comparison with other bigger States, may not be attractive for bidders seeking substantial returns… The policy is mandatory for the government vehicles whereas private vehicles might be allowed to operate, for a short period, depending on the inspection report by RTO officials and concerned agencies,” the source revealed.
He further said that while one firm may be sufficient for a smaller State like Goa, the government is keen on having more options. In the future, however, the government could consider doubling the strength of the stakeholders involved in the legal scrapping of vehicles subject to the volume of the vehicles.
As per the government records, over the course of the next five years, an additional 3.5 lakh vehicles registered in Goa will cross the age of 15 and a substantial number of these ELVs (end-of-life vehicles) will be from the commercial category.
