Maharashtra’s plan to ban petrol & diesel vehicles in Mumbai raises concerns
The Maharashtra government has formed a seven-member panel to explore banning petrol and diesel vehicles in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), following a Bombay High Court directive. The panel, led by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, will submit a report in three months assessing the feasibility of restricting conventional fuel vehicles and promoting CNG and electric alternatives.
Questionable Feasibility
With 48 lakh registered vehicles in Mumbai and over 2.5 lakh new ones added annually, a sudden ban on petrol and diesel cars raises concerns over practicality. The city’s infrastructure is not yet equipped to handle a full transition to electric vehicles, given the lack of charging stations and limited CNG supply.
Economic and Mobility Impact
Phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles would heavily impact daily commuters and businesses reliant on traditional fuel-powered transport. The automobile industry, already struggling with regulatory shifts, could face significant disruptions. The affordability and reliability of EVs also remain a challenge for many vehicle owners.
Broader Restrictions in Question
Apart from targeting vehicles, the High Court has also directed bakeries using wood and coal to shift to gas within six months and ordered pollution monitors at construction sites. While air quality improvements are necessary, imposing blanket bans without viable alternatives may do more harm than good.
Way Forward
Instead of an outright ban, the government should focus on incentivising cleaner fuel options and improving public transport. A hasty move to eliminate petrol and diesel vehicles could lead to economic strain, inconvenience, and an inadequate infrastructure to support the transition.
