Delhi To Restrict Entry Of Polluting Commercial Vehicles From November 1

Delhi to ban entry of older commercial vehicles from November to curb pollution

Starting November 1, the entry of polluting commercial vehicles into Delhi will be prohibited as part of a comprehensive move to curb rising air pollution in the capital. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has approved the enforcement of the ban, allowing only BS-VI, CNG, LNG and electric goods vehicles to enter the city.

As a transitional measure, light, medium and heavy goods vehicles compliant with BS-IV norms and registered in Delhi will be allowed to operate within the city until October 31, 2026. The decision aligns with directions from the Supreme Court aimed at reducing vehicular emissions ahead of the winter smog season.

To ensure compliance, enforcement agencies have been instructed to conduct strict checks at all border entry points. The CAQM emphasised accountability, directing authorities in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan to take prompt legal action against officials who fail to prevent stubble burning, a major contributor to seasonal pollution across the NCR region.

The Commission also reviewed winter pollution control strategies for Delhi and neighbouring states. It called for intensified monitoring of crop residue burning and strengthened crop management practices to mitigate air quality deterioration.

In a related move, CAQM has paused its earlier directive to deregister 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in NCR following the Supreme Court’s order against coercive action on the matter.

The meeting also addressed firecracker regulations for the festive season. Only certified green firecrackers will be permitted in designated NCR areas during limited hours on Diwali. Pollution boards will monitor air and water quality from mid to late October to assess the impact of these restrictions.

Authorities across the region have been tasked with continuous reviews and enforcement under the Graded Response Action Plan to keep pollution levels under control during the high-risk winter months.