India to require four-wheelers to meet cleaner emission norms

T.R. Baalu, Indias minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, said in a consultative committee meeting in India that all four-wheelers might have to adhere to cleaner emission norms by 2010. The government has said that it wants to implement Bharat Stage-III for cars across the country from April 2010, while rules in 11 major cities will be even tougher (Bharat Stage-IV).  Bharat Stage-IV norms, the Indian version of Euro-IV norms, would be extended to 11 major cities from April 2010. “The Department of Road Transport and Highways is in the process of notifying the rules very soon,” Baalu stated. He said the ministry is in the process of designing suitable models for inspection and maintenance centers to be set up by the state governments to inspect motor vehicles. Indias Central Government will provide financial assistance to the states through a capital grant. (June 19, 2008)