Ghaziabad UPSRTC Yet To Replace BS-III, BS-IV Buses, GRAP-III Norms Ignored

Despite clear directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), Ghaziabad region, has not replaced more than 300 BS-III and BS-IV buses that remain banned in the NCR. Most of these old vehicles continue to operate, adding significantly to pollution levels, even as officials claim they are shifting routes outside the NCR.

The CAQM, citing old diesel buses as a major source of NCR pollution, had directed the transport corporation in October 2023 to phase out all BS-III and BS-IV buses from the region. These were to be replaced with BS-VI, CNG, or electric buses. Although UPSRTC briefly secured permission last year to continue running these vehicles, the CAQM has now imposed a complete ban under GRAP-III. Despite this, a majority of the buses are still on the roads.

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The ban on BS-III and BS-IV buses was originally enforced on 8 November 2023. Currently, only BS-VI buses are officially permitted in the NCR. Over 50 buses that previously operated from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT have already been shifted to Kaushambi depot, from where they are now being run.

Two years ago, the corporation’s fleet included nearly 500 BS-III and BS-IV buses. In the past year alone, around 200 have been replaced with BS-VI models. Many of the phased-out buses have been auctioned, and the remaining units will also be disposed of soon, officials said.

What Is BS-VI?

Bharat Stage (BS) norms are emission standards set by the Central Pollution Control Board to regulate vehicle pollution. A higher BS number means a cleaner and more environment-friendly engine.

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Service Manager Bijay Chaudhary said the corporation is altering the routes of remaining BS-III and BS-IV buses and deploying BS-VI buses in their place. “Within the next year, the remaining old buses will complete their operational life and will be fully replaced by BS-VI vehicles,” he added.