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At a glance: Highlights of the proposed changes in PUC norms to come into force from October 1, 2004

Diesel vehicles

Current method of tests and norms
For all vehicles (except agricultural tractors)
Proposed in the draft notification
Free acceleration for turbocharged and naturally aspirated vehicles

65 Hartidge unit (HSU), 2.45 light
absorption co-efficient (m-1)

(Commonly conducted test)
No change

Or

 
Full load at 60 to 70% of maximum engine rated rpm declared by the manufacturer

75 HSU, 3.25 light absorption m-1, 5.2 Bosch units
(Normally not conducted)
No change

Petrol/CNG/LPG vehicles
Carbon monoxide

Current method of tests and norms Proposed in the draft notification
Cars  
Idling CO test

3% (by volume)
Pre 2000 cars: No change

Post 2000 cars with closed loop 3-way catalytic converters: 0.5% by volume

Option of measuring lambda in cars fitted with closed loop 3-way catalytic converters. Not mandatory.
Two/three wheelers  
Idling CO test

4.5% by volume
Pre-2000 vehicles: No change

Post 2000 four-stroke 2/3 wheelers with catalytic converters: 3.5 % by volume

Post-2000 two-stroke 2/3 wheelers: No change (4.5%)

Hydrocarbon norms introduced for the first time

Current regulations Proposed in the draft notification
Cars  
Not regulated Introduced idling HC emissions test

Pre 2000: Cars without catalytic converters: 1500 ppm

Post 2000 Euro II compliant cars with three-way catalytic converters: 750 ppm

Option of measuring lambda in cars with closed loop 3-way catalytic converters

Two/three wheelers  
Not regulated Introduced idling HC emissions test

Pre-2000: two/three-wheelers: 9000 ppm

Post 2000: Two-stroke two/three wheelers: 6000 ppm

Post 2000: Four-stroke two/three wheelers: 4500 ppm

Source: The Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (as amended in 2003), 2003, New Delhi Gazette Notification No. GSR 614(E) dated July 30, 2003, The Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II-Section 3-Sub-section (i), No. 359, New Delhi, Wednesday, July 30, 2003/SRAVANA 8, 1925

 Relevant excerpts from the original notification
Gazette Notification on amendment of various provisions of Central Motor Vehicle Rules and Act – 1989, Part II-Section 3-Sub-section (i), No. 359, The Gazette of India - Extraordinary, New Delhi, July 30, 2003/SRAVANA 8, 1925, P15-16,

  1. In rule 115 of the said rules-
  1. in sub-rule (7), for the words "six months or any lesser period as may be specified by the State Government from time to time", the words "six months" shall be substituted;
  2. after sub-rule (7), the following proviso shall be inserted; namely:-
  3. "Provided that with effect from 1st of October, 2004, Carbon Monoxide (CO) emission norms for new generation vehicles manufactured on or after the 1st April, 2000 shall conform to the following values; namely: -

  1. for petrol driven vehicles, other than two wheelers and three wheelers, 0.5% CO for closed loop 3-way catalytic converter fitted vehicles, and 3.0% for other vehicles’
  2. for petrol driven vehicles, 4 stroke two wheelers and three wheelers fitted with catalytic converter, the CO limit shall be 3.5%;
  3. Hydrocarbon (HC) standards in case of in use 2-stroke two wheelers shall be 6000 ppm and in case of 4-stroke two wheelers and three wheelers, 4500 ppm;
  4. for Bharat stage-II compliant motor cars fitted with 3-way catalytic converter, emission level of 750 ppm of HC and for others 1500 ppm;
  5. in case of two wheelers and three wheelers manufactured prior to the 1st April, 2000, the HC limit shall be 9000 PPM.

" Provided further that in the case of petrol vehicles fitted with three way closed loop catalytic converters operating in a specific city or area, the Government of the respective State or Union Territory Administration, as the case may be, may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify the introduction of measurement of LAMBDA and tighter emission norms for in-use vehicles with such periodicity as may be warranted, after ensuring that gas analyzers capable of measuring the values, duly approved by the testing agencies, are available in such city or area, as the case may be.";

See Also:

bul_red.gif (868 bytes)Press Release
Sept 05, 2003:
PUC Charade: Diesel polluters excused from revised norms


bul_red.gif (868 bytes)Press Release
April 08, 2003:

Open letter to Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways

bul_red.gif (868 bytes)A PLAN FOR PROGRESS
By Lennart Erlandsson and Michael P Walsh
This new CSE study by two international experts presents a roadmap for establishing a centralised vehicle inspection system and improved test procedures in a phased manner
dot.jpg (508 bytes) The Report
dot.jpg (508 bytes) Project Plan and Schedule

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