Surat: In a landmark move toward sustainable urban mobility, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) today launched the country’s first ‘Surat Green Vehicle Policy-2025’, designed to promote pollution-free transportation and position the city as a national leader in e-mobility.

The launch, held at the Indoor Stadium, coincided with the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included the inauguration of various city projects worth an estimated ₹20.96 crore. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for projects totaling approximately ₹142.17 crore.

Under the policy, buyers of green vehicles will receive 100% vehicle tax exemption in the first year, with benefits ranging from ₹2,000 to ₹4 lakh depending on the vehicle type. Tax exemptions will continue over the next three years at 75% in the second year and 50% in the third and fourth years.

To encourage adoption, SMC will provide targeted subsidies:

• Electric three-wheelers (goods): ₹3,000 per vehicle (first 2,000 vehicles)

• Electric rickshaws (E-3W): ₹5,000 per vehicle (first 1,000 vehicles)

• Pink autos: ₹5,000 per vehicle (first 100 vehicles)

• E-LGVs: 0.5% interest concession on the first 200 vehicles

A comprehensive EV charging network is planned, featuring 460 charging stations across the city, ensuring a density of one station per sq km. The policy aims for 50% of all vehicles in Surat to run on electric power by 2030.

SMC will also launch the ‘Surat Money Card’ for green vehicle owners, offering multiple benefits, and implement a buyback scheme prioritizing the replacement of traditional fuel vehicles with green alternatives, including 2Ws, 3Ws (passenger and goods), 4Ws (passenger and goods), and passenger cars.

To oversee implementation, SMC has established a Green Cell Committee chaired by the Municipal Commissioner and comprising senior officials from the Surat Traffic Police, City Link Limited, DGVCL, RTO, GPCB, and technical and research experts.

During the event, Union Minister of Jal Shakti and Navsari MP C.R. Patil announced that citizens and leading donors have contributed ₹10 crore to a special fund for the welfare of sanitation workers. Managed by SMC, the fund will support workers and their children’s education, covering higher studies, accommodation, and books, as well as provide interest-free loans for purchasing homes or two-wheelers.

Minister Patil highlighted that this initiative is the first of its kind in India and praised sanitation workers for their invaluable contribution in making Surat one of the cleanest cities in the country. DeshGujarat