Kolkata: Extended tax holiday for CNG, electric vehicles

KOLKATA: The state transport department has announced an extension of tax holiday for two-wheeler and four-wheeler electric vehicles (EVs) and all categories of CNG vehicles until March 31, 2025. The announcement, made by transport secretary Saumitra Mohan, includes a one-time exemption from registration fees, tax, and additional tax.
The notification emphasized that this tax exemption aims to significantly encourage the use of clean-fuel vehicles.The extended exemption is effective from April 1, 2024. The announcement was delayed due to the election model code of conduct.
The earlier exemption period, from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024, offered complete exemption from registration fees and financial incentives to boost the use of cleaner fuel in automobiles, which contribute to over 30% of the city's ambient air pollution. The new notification states that vehicles registered from April 1, 2022, until the issuance of this notification, can get an extension of tax validity for the days covered within the exemption period. However, adjustment or refund of registration fees already paid is not allowed.
CNG is cleaner compared to petrol and diesel, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by approximately 80% and hydrocarbons by 44%. Electric vehicles, on the other hand, emit no pollutant and generate no noise.