In a bold move to tackle Delhi’s persistent air pollution crisis, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a significant ban on the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into the city, effective November 1, 2025.
Under these new regulations, only commercial goods vehicles running on cleaner fuels such as BS-VI compliant engines, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and electric power will be permitted to enter Delhi. Older, high-emission vehicles will no longer be allowed to operate within city limits, as reported by PTI.
As a temporary measure to ease this transition, BS-IV light, medium, and heavy goods vehicles already registered in Delhi will be granted entry until October 31, 2026. Authorities are mandated to enforce these new rules strictly at all border entry points into the capital.
It’s important to note that an earlier directive concerning the phasing out of 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles across the National Capital Region (NCR) is currently on hold. This suspension follows a court order that prevents coercive action against owners of such vehicles.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve Delhi’s air quality. The CAQM recently triggered Stage 2 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) due to the city’s deteriorating air quality levels. On Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 411 near the Akshardham temple, underscoring the urgency of these measures.
Stage 2 of GRAP also includes directives aimed at reducing private vehicle usage. These measures involve increasing parking fees and enhancing overall traffic management. The CAQM’s order emphasizes the need for synchronized traffic signals and the deployment of ample personnel at key intersections to ensure smoother traffic flow, thereby reducing congestion-related emissions.