KATHMANDU: The Indian government is preparing to allow older trucks and buses to use retrofit emission-control devices (RECDs) to reduce air pollution from diesel vehicles.
The devices, developed by IIT Delhi, can reportedly reduce particulate matter emissions by up to 90% and nitrogen oxide emissions by around 60%.
RECDs have been tested on BS-III, BS-IV and older diesel vehicles. Tests found that the devices could reduce their emissions to levels comparable with BS-VI standards.
According to Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, similar emission-control devices have already been used in diesel generator sets.
Each RECD is expected to cost around 4,000-5,000 Indian rupees.
The government is also expected to notify Automotive Industry Standard 228, which will set the technical and performance requirements for these retrofit devices.
