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WB Transport Department aims to identify 4,000 polluting vehicles, increases surveillance using remote sensing devices

• By A Correspondent, Kolkata
• October 16, 2026
• 1371

The WB State Transport Department is going to take stricter steps to control air pollution. The department has set a target of identifying at least 4,000 polluting vehicles every month in Kolkata, Howrah and adjoining districts. This monitoring will be carried out using mobile remote sensing devices (RSDs) capable of checking emission levels without stopping the moving vehicles.

For this purpose, the Department of Transport has invited e-tenders to appoint a company to operate and maintain the RSD for the next 36 months. If necessary, the contract period has also been extended by another year.

According to the department, this device installed in a mobile van will be deployed in a specific area for at least 20 days every month. The device will test the carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and smoke emissions of moving vehicles. This test will be done for all types of vehicles - petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG. Along with this, the image of the vehicle's number plate, speed and acceleration information will also be recorded.

The agency will have to identify at least 4,000 vehicles that pollute more than the prescribed limit every month. Notices with pictures and emission-related information will be sent to the owners of vehicles that exceed the prescribed limit during the test. A copy will also be sent to the concerned regional transport department. In addition, there are instructions to send warnings to vehicle owners through an automated system every day through SMS.

According to the terms of the tender, if the company fails to identify 4,000 polluting vehicles in a month, Ruppes 20 will be deducted from the company's bill for each less vehicle. Again, if the device is deployed for less than 20 days in a month, the shortfall will have to be made up within the next three months. Otherwise, a fine of 5 percent of the monthly bill will be imposed for each day.

It is worth noting that this remote sensing system has been operational in Kolkata since November 2009. This time, the state government is looking to use it more actively to strengthen the campaign against polluting vehicles.