Union govt scraps LDF order on old govt vehicles in Kerala; UDF modification promise faces doubt

The Union government has revoked an order issued during the tenure of the previous LDF government in Kerala that had permitted government vehicles to be used beyond the 15-year age limit.

A Union government directive on the issue was issued in March, before the elections, and sent to the state Transport Commissioner. However, no action was reportedly taken by the then government after receipt of the order.

Information on the revocation has now surfaced after the assembly election verdict and the swearing-in of the new UDF government.

The Union government has overturned Kerala’s move to relax the 15-year cap and allow continued use of government vehicles beyond the prescribed age limit.

It has reiterated that the Motor Vehicles Act does not permit states to alter these provisions.

A separate request seeking modification of the VAHAN portal — the centralised e-governance platform under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways used for vehicle registration and transport services — was also rejected. The state government’s proposal had sought to facilitate and manage records of vehicles older than 15 years.

Earlier LDF order and current implications

During the LDF government, when K B Ganesh Kumar was Transport Minister, an order was issued allowing certain government vehicles to operate beyond the 15-year limit. It was published in the gazette despite reported objections from officials, including legal officers in the Motor Vehicles Department.

Though it appeared legally unusual, the order had permitted use of vehicles up to 20 years. Following this, government departments reportedly continued using older vehicles, while the Motor Vehicles Department was largely seen following the 15-year rule.

As the Union government has clarified its stand, the new UDF government may face a financial burden as new vehicles are required for various departments. RTI information shows the state-run KSRTC fleet has 1,261 vehicles over 15 years old, along with 698 vehicles in the 14–15 year bracket.

The Union government’s position that the Motor Vehicles Act does not permit state-level amendments comes amid remarks by Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan, reiterating UDF poll campaign statements on vehicle modification. It also implies that such regulations cannot be altered at state level. Notably, neither the Motor Vehicles Act nor rulings of the Supreme Court and High Courts support relaxation linked to vehicle modifications. Courts have repeatedly made it clear that no exemption is permitted that compromises road safety and environmental standards.