Roadmap for efficient running of auto industry

New Delhi, Aug 28 (UNI) The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is to set up a committee to chalk out a roadmap up to 2025 for the efficient running of the automobile industry on alternative fuels such as hydrogen.

This is part of the recommendations of the Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) on safety and environment, constituted by the Heavy Industries Ministry for finalising the 'Automotive Mission Plan 2006-16' for the auto sector.

The IMG has suggested that the new emission norms should be announced eight years in advance and, if possible, a single norm across the country should be adopted.

A minimum gap of four years should be made mandatory between successive emission norms.

The norms should be applicable for new models one year after the fuel is available across the country.

For existing models, the new emission norms should come into effect one year after emission norms for new models are introduced.

It has suggested that the government may use fiscal dispensations for encouraging replacement of old vehicles to give necessary incentives against scrap certificate.

The IMG has also recommended that the Petroleum Ministry should ensure the development and availability of fuel as envisaged in the Auto Fuel policy.

As for the development of hydrogen as a fuel for automobiles, the National Hydrogen Energy Board under the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Sources is in the process of formulating a draft policy on Alternative Fuels. The Ministry has proposed a target of one million vehicles using hydrogen as fuel by 2020.

For road safety, the IMG has suggested establishing a National Road Safety Board by 2007-08 which will be the nodal institution for road safety. It should be an independent and empowered body.

The IMG has asked the government should encourage setting up of modern training institutions for drivers in the private sector.

At present, the government is setting up two centres for specialised driver training -- at Rai Bareilly and Silchar -- under the National Automotive Testing and Research and Development Infrastructure Programme.

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