Key Takeaways
- The Haryana Cabinet has approved new rules requiring all vehicles in aggregator fleets within the NCR to be CNG, electric, or cleaner fuel-powered starting January 1, 2026.
- Changes incorporate provisions for driver welfare, fare regulations, and the installation of safety measures in vehicles.
- The Transport Minister proposed a 100% tax exemption on electric vehicles to encourage adoption in Haryana.
New Licensing Rules for Clean Mobility in Haryana
The Haryana Cabinet has passed regulations establishing aggregator licensing rules that mandate all vehicles in the fleets of aggregators, delivery services, and e-commerce businesses in the National Capital Region (NCR) to utilize cleaner fuels, such as CNG or electricity, starting January 1, 2026. This initiative aligns with directives from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), which aims to enhance air quality and combat vehicular pollution in the NCR.
Under these new regulations, only CNG or electric auto-rickshaws will be allowed to join existing fleets in the NCR. This move is designed to promote sustainable mobility options and involves a comprehensive regulatory framework for app-based aggregators, ensuring better safety and service standards.
The updated rules also introduce mandatory licensing for aggregators and delivery service providers, along with criteria for onboarding drivers and vehicles. Key safety measures must be established, including passenger insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh, health insurance for drivers, and minimum term insurance of Rs 10 lakh for drivers onboarded through the aggregators.
To enhance safety and service accountability, vehicles must be equipped with location tracking devices, panic buttons, first-aid kits, and fire extinguishers. Aggregators are required to set up 24×7 control rooms and call centers to assist passengers and manage grievances effectively. Furthermore, all vehicle and driver information will be digitally authenticated through the VAHAN and SARATHI portals, ensuring greater transparency.
The Cabinet has also addressed driver welfare and established a regulatory framework for fare sharing, safety standards, and maintaining digital records of vehicles and drivers. The registration process for these services will be accessible through a designated online portal.
Additionally, Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij has proposed implementing a 100% tax exemption on electric vehicles in the state, mirroring incentives in Chandigarh and Delhi. Currently, EV owners in Haryana enjoy a 20% registration fee concession. If the tax exemption is approved, it aims to significantly boost the adoption of electric vehicles among the public. The state government is also set to procure 500 electric buses to advance this initiative further.
These measures signal the Haryana government’s commitment to cleaner transportation and a healthier environment, aligning with wider efforts to reduce air pollution and promote the use of sustainable transport solutions in the region.
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