The Meghalaya government has notified the Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy, 2025, but it does not mean that every old vehicle in the state will be scrapped immediately. Instead, the policy creates a system to identify vehicles that are no longer fit to ply on roads and ensures they are dismantled and recycled safely.
Under the policy, government vehicles that have completed 15 years, transport or commercial vehicles that are 15 years old and private non-transport vehicles that have completed 20 years are classified as End-of-Life Vehicles (ELVs). However, simply crossing the age limit does not automatically mean a vehicle must be scrapped. Vehicles that remain roadworthy, pass mandatory fitness tests and have valid registrations can continue to operate.
Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar said Meghalaya government is in the process of finalising its Vehicle Scrappage Policy 2025, and aims to implement it before the year ends. He acknowledged that setting up the system would take time, but expressed confidence about rolling it out in 2026.
Dhar said details of the policy, including the number of vehicles to be scrapped this year, will be announced once the framework is in place.
A vehicle may be scrapped if it fails the mandatory fitness test, has its registration cancelled or is no longer legally registered. The policy also covers vehicles that are damaged beyond economical repair due to accidents, floods, fires or other natural disasters, as well as abandoned, impounded or auctioned vehicles. Owners can also voluntarily surrender their vehicles for scrapping.
To identify unfit vehicles, the government plans to establish Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across Meghalaya. These centres will use computerised equipment to inspect a vehicle’s braking system, steering, suspension, emissions and other critical safety components. Vehicles that fail these tests and cannot be restored to a safe condition may be declared End-of-Life Vehicles.
Once a vehicle is declared unfit, it will be taken to a Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) approved by the government. Before dismantling begins, the facility will verify the owner’s identity and vehicle details through the VAHAN database and ensure the vehicle is not stolen or involved in any criminal case.
After verification, the vehicle’s registration will be cancelled through the VAHAN portal. The scrapping facility will then remove hazardous materials such as fuel, engine oil, batteries, brake fluid and coolant before dismantling the vehicle. Reusable components will be separated, while the remaining body will be shredded and recycled. Materials such as steel, aluminium, copper and plastic will be recovered, while hazardous waste will be disposed of in accordance with environmental norms.
After the scrapping process is completed, the owner will receive a Certificate of Deposit and a Certificate of Vehicle Scrappage. These certificates can be used to avail benefits or incentives while purchasing a new vehicle whenever such schemes are announced by the government. The owner will also receive the agreed scrap value of the vehicle from the registered scrapping facility.
The policy also provides for the establishment of Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities in Meghalaya. Operators will have to obtain approvals from the Transport Department, environmental clearances, pollution control permissions, GST and PAN registration, and comply with prescribed safety, labour and cyber security standards. Their registration will initially remain valid for ten years and can be renewed.
The Office of the Commissioner of Transport will act as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the policy, approving scrapping facilities and ensuring they comply with all prescribed rules and environmental standards.
According to the policy document, Meghalaya has more than 5.54 lakh registered vehicles, with Shillong accounting for the highest number. The government says the policy aims to reduce pollution, improve road safety, encourage the use of cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles, promote recycling of vehicle materials and generate employment in the automobile recycling sector.
In essence, the Meghalaya Vehicle Scrappage Policy is not an order to remove every old vehicle from the roads. It is a regulated mechanism to identify vehicles that are no longer safe or roadworthy, recycle them in an environmentally responsible manner and encourage owners to gradually replace them with newer and safer vehicles.
