Surat: On September 17, coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, Surat city will launch India’s first Green Vehicle Policy. The launch event will be held at the Indoor Stadium, where Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil will be present. Alongside the policy launch, a grand program will be organized to honor 6,000 sanitation workers of the Surat Municipal Corporation and raise funds for their welfare.

The Green Vehicle Policy prepared by Surat Municipal Corporation covers not only electric vehicles but also hydrogen, biofuel, and other alternative technologies. Under the five-year policy, buyers of green vehicles will get full (100%) exemption from the municipal vehicle tax in the first year, 75% in the second year, 50% in the third year, and 25% in the fourth and fifth years. Buyers will also be exempted from environmental charges during the policy period, and 10% of parking spaces at corporation-run facilities will be reserved for green vehicles.

For instance, under this scheme, a person buying an electric car worth ₹15 lakh will get a tax waiver benefit of ₹52,500 (at 3.5%). An e-bike worth ₹1.5 lakh will attract a tax saving of ₹3,000 (at 2%), while a ₹25 lakh e-car buyer will benefit up to ₹1 lakh (at 4%).

Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agarwal said the primary objective of the policy is to reduce pollution and promote eco-friendly mobility solutions. She added that Surat, already recognized as a clean city, will now take a step forward to become a “green city.” The model is expected to serve as an example for other cities across India. DeshGujarat