With air pollution worsening in Mumbai, the Maharashtra government has taken a significant step by constituting a seven-member expert committee to examine the feasibility of phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles in favor of CNG and electric alternatives. The panel, chaired by retired IAS officer Sudhir Kumar Shrivastava, has been tasked with submitting its recommendations within three months.

Composition of the Expert Panel
The committee comprises key stakeholders, including:
- The State Transport Commissioner
- Mumbai’s Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic)
- Mahanagar Gas Limited’s Managing Director
- A Mahavitaran representative
- The President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM)
- A Joint Transport Commissioner, serving as the member secretary
Additionally, the committee has the authority to co-opt experts to enhance its research and recommendations.
Court Directive Sparks Urgent Action
The decision to form this committee follows a directive from the Bombay High Court on January 9. The court criticized the government’s existing anti-pollution efforts as inadequate and called for a thorough study on transitioning to cleaner transport systems. Given that vehicular emissions are a primary source of air pollution in Mumbai, the government responded by forming this panel to explore sustainable mobility solutions.
The Challenge of Mumbai’s Expanding Vehicle Population
Mumbai and its adjoining districts—Thane, Raigad, and Palghar—are home to an ever-growing number of vehicles. With over 48 lakh vehicles registered across four Mumbai RTOs, vehicular emissions continue to deteriorate air quality. The challenge is to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting urban mobility.
A Long-Awaited Policy Shift?
This is not Maharashtra’s first attempt at addressing vehicular pollution. Over two decades ago, the V.M. Lal Committee was formed to analyze pollution sources and propose mitigation measures. However, growing environmental concerns have necessitated more aggressive action. The findings of the new panel will play a crucial role in shaping Mumbai’s transition to sustainable urban transport.
Conclusion
The Maharashtra government’s initiative to explore a ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in Mumbai marks a significant shift towards cleaner air and sustainable urban transport. If implemented, this move could set a precedent for other metropolitan cities grappling with severe air pollution. The upcoming recommendations of the expert panel will be key in determining the feasibility and roadmap for this ambitious transition.