ICE Four Wheeler Registration will stop from December 2023 in Chandigarh

As the Chandigarh Administration takes a leap towards a greener future with the ban on non-electric vehicle registrations, concerns arise about the fate of jobs and livelihoods in the automobile industry. Under the Electric Vehicle Policy 2022, registrations for fuel-based four-wheelers will come to a halt by December, aiming to shift the gears towards eco-friendly transportation alternatives.

Introduced by the Chandigarh Administration's Department of Science and Technology and Renewable Energy in September 2022, the Electric Vehicle Policy set ambitious targets for reducing the number of non-electric vehicles on the city's roads. 

Initially aiming for a 10% reduction in four-wheelers and a substantial 35% reduction in two-wheelers compared to the previous year, the targets for the current fiscal year, 2023-24, are even more ambitious, striving for a 20% reduction in four-wheelers and a significant 70% reduction in two-wheelers.

While the administration remains determined to enforce these targets, the implications for jobs in the non-electric vehicle industry are a cause for concern. 

With strict limitations on registrations, only 22,626 four-wheelers are eligible for registration this year, and the plan is to gradually phase out two-wheelers entirely by 2024. As the demand for non-electric vehicles dwindles, the livelihoods of those involved in manufacturing, sales, and maintenance of these vehicles hang in the balance.

Pradyuman Singh, the Director of Transport Chandigarh, remains optimistic about achieving the set targets. He anticipates that the registration target for non-electric two-wheelers will be met by the first week of July, while the target for non-electric four-wheelers is expected to be achieved by the end of December. However, amidst this transition, the concerns raised by the Federation of Chandigarh Region Automobile Dealers Association cannot be ignored.

The association argues that the government's push towards electric vehicles is forcing consumers into a particular choice, potentially leading to negative economic consequences. They express worry over the impact on jobs, predicting dealership closures and bankruptcy for many two-wheeler dealers, which would result in substantial job losses. Additionally, they question the efficacy of the ban in reducing pollution, highlighting that vehicles from outside states can still enter the city. Moreover, they argue that electric vehicles, with their higher costs and reliability concerns, may not be a practical alternative to traditional petrol-powered vehicles.

As the Electric Vehicle Policy sets varying targets for electric vehicles each year, the coming months will be crucial in determining the future landscape of Chandigarh's transportation sector. While the shift towards sustainable transportation is commendable, it is imperative for the government to address the concerns of those affected by this transition. 

Safeguarding jobs and exploring opportunities within the electric vehicle industry could mitigate the potential economic impact and ensure a smoother transition for all stakeholders involved.

The ban on non-electric vehicle registrations in Chandigarh represents a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future. However, the road ahead is filled with challenges and uncertainties, particularly in terms of livelihoods and the economic repercussions of this policy shift. 

Balancing environmental goals with the well-being of those impacted by these changes will be crucial in ensuring a successful transition and a thriving electric vehicle ecosystem in the city.