The Ministry of Communication, Department of Posts, has issued revised norms for the condemnation of vehicles, following references from various units facing difficulties with the old condemnation guidelines set by the Department of Expenditure (DOE). The new norms, based on DOE’s O.M. No. 01(14)/2016-E.II(A)(Part-III) dated 1st April, 2024, are as follows:
- Heavy Commercial Motor Vehicles (HCVs): 4,00,000 kilometers or 10 years.
- Light Commercial Motor Vehicles (LCVs): 1,50,000 kilometers or 6.5 years.
- Motor Cycles: 1,20,000 kilometers or 7 years.
As per the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019, the classification of vehicles is as follows:
- Light Motor Vehicle: A transport vehicle, omnibus, motor car, tractor, or road-roller with a gross weight not exceeding 7,500 kilograms. Indicative models include Tata 407, Tata Sumo, M&M Bolero, Maruti Ciaz, etc.
- Heavy Goods Vehicle: A goods carriage with a gross vehicle weight or a tractor or road-roller with an unladen weight exceeding 12,000 kilograms. Indicative models include Eicher Pro 2114 XP, Tata Ultra T-16, etc.
- Heavy Passenger Motor Vehicle: Public or private service vehicles or buses with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 12,000 kilograms.
- Motor Cycles: Two-wheeled motor vehicles such as mopeds, motorcycles, and scooters.
The powers for the condemnation and replacement of MMS operational and inspection vehicles have been delegated to the Heads of Circles/Departments, as per O.M. No. 6-1/2021-Fin. Coord dated 30th July 2021. However, approval for premature condemnation of vehicles now lies with the DOE, and all cases for premature condemnation must be sent to the Directorate, along with full justification for the vehicles to be condemned.
