Logo

Logo

Mixed reaction to separate registration from Odisha’s vintage vehicle lovers

Collection of vintage automobiles, very much confined to the repertoire of a select few urban elites and erstwhile royal families in the coastal state, has nonetheless received a shot in the arms with the Odisha government introducing fresh registration policy for these exotic and rare automobiles of more than 50 years old.

Mixed reaction to separate registration from Odisha’s vintage vehicle lovers

Photo credit: Representative image/Subrata Dutta

Odisha is coming up with a separate registration process for vintage motor vehicles – the first in the country – under Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The news has evoked a mixed reaction among vintage car owners who want to have more flexibility in the policy and facilitation for promoting efforts to conserve and restore antique vehicles.

Collection of vintage automobiles, very much confined to the repertoire of a select few urban elites and erstwhile royal families in the coastal state, has nonetheless received a shot in the arms with the Odisha government introducing fresh registration policy for these exotic and rare automobiles of more than 50 years old.

It’s a heritage that merits preservation for posterity. Unlike states like Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Bengal besides southern states, Odisha has never been in the forefront of vintage motor vehicle collection. For a select band of handful collectors of these classic vehicles, it’s a hobby, passion for which they had to spend lots of money from their pocket.

Advertisement

The vintage automobile collection and the proclivity to preserve these for future generations are still in infancy in the state. The new government is likely to enthuse those who own vintage vehicles not to dump it in scrap yards.

“The policy has no doubt brought cheers to us. Still, there ought to be certain modifications in it. Preservation of these old vehicles is an exceedingly costly affair. Besides the annual maintenance cost, there is always a dearth of space to provide shed to these vehicles. Under the new law, the issue of a new certificate will cost the owner Rs 20,000 which will be valid for a period of 10 years. Subsequently, the renewal of the said registration will cost the owner an additional Rs 5,000 which shall be renewable for another five year. That clause should be done away with in the larger interest of the collectors. There should be only one-time registration fees,” said Gohar Abedin, a reader of the economics department at government-run Nimapara College in the Puri district.

Abedin, who is the proud owner of a fleet of over 100 vintage vehicles including cars, jeeps, motorcycles and scooters, further said the state government needs to come forward to promote the collectors of such antique, priceless vintage automobiles.

“Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has initiated a slew of measures to promote sports, culture and heritage. Next week, the state will host World Cup hockey. As the government’s track record in this regard has won appreciation from several quarters, we appeal to the CM to evince interest in promoting vintage car rallies and exhibition of old vehicles. It will go a long way in providing the much-needed impetus to the Collectors,” he contended.

Another prominent vintage vehicle collector, Julia Patnaik, a proud possessor of a 1934 Rolls-Royce among a fleet of several other antique vehicles dating back to pre-Independence era, echoed similar views.

“Vintage vehicle rally is a rarity in Odisha. I have developed a passion for preservation of vintage vehicles in the past two decades. However, I have not seen any such event taking place in the state during this period. We put a lot of sincere efforts to preserve these antiques. There should be public exhibitions by way of rallies. The government’s support in this regard will come in handy,” observed Patnaik.

It’s pertinent to note here that the recently announced registration scheme for vintage vehicles of more than 50 years has provisions of special number plates and exemption from scrappage in line with Central Motor Vehicle (CMV) Rule, 198 in an aim to preserve and promote the heritage of vintage vehicles.

The new registration policy for vintage automobiles has infused a refreshing breath of life in the owners of the vintage vehicles.

As per the rule, two-wheelers and four-wheelers (for personal use) that are more than 50 years old from the date of their first registration (including imported vehicle) shall be defined as Vintage Motor Vehicles. However, only vehicles that have no substantial overhaul including modification in chassis or body shell, and/or engine will be considered as vintage, said officials of the State Transport Authority.

Advertisement