The on-road vehicle population in India is fast approaching the 50 million mark. Only progressive tightening of emissions norms for new vehicles and improvements in fuel quality may not be adequate to accomplish the air quality goals in our cities. The road-life of a vehicle in India is comparatively high. Improper and inefficient practices of maintenance further increase emissions from in-use vehicles thereby offsetting the utility of stringent emissions norms and better fuel.

It is time that effective measures are initiated to reduce emissions from in-use fleet of vehicles. Properly designed Inspection & Maintenance system has proved to be the most effective tool for reducing emissions and enhancing roadworthiness of on-road vehicles. The existing system of vehicle fitness test and PUC certification in India are now long due for a facelift backed up by proper technology and infrastructure.

This issue of  PARIVESH outlines the present status of Inspection/Maintenance & Certification System in India along with some proposal for upgradation. I am thankful to my colleagues Dr. B. Sengupta, Member Secretary, Dr. S. A. Dutta, Sr. Project Scientist and Mr. R. Debroy, Asst. Engineer for their contribution in this publication.

We hope, this publication will be useful to all concerned with vehicular pollution.

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