Delhi to Ban Non-BS-VI Commercial Goods Vehicles from November 1

All commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi that fail to meet BS-VI emission norms will be banned from entering the national capital from November 1, following directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management. A public notice issued by the transport department confirmed that BS-IV commercial goods vehicles will be permitted entry into Delhi until October 31, 2026 as a transitional arrangement.

BS-VI compliant vehicles adhere to stricter emission standards, playing a key role in reducing pollution levels. 

Exemptions for Local Vehicles

The restrictions will not apply to commercial goods vehicles registered within Delhi, BS-VI compliant diesel vehicles, BS-IV compliant diesel vehicles until October 31, 2026, or those operating on CNG, LNG or electricity.

The notice clarified that restrictions under various stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) on commercial goods vehicles will remain applicable during the period a particular stage is in force.

What Air Quality Commission Says

During a meeting held on October 17, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) approved a comprehensive ban on polluting commercial vehicles entering Delhi from November 1, as the city grapples with persistent pollution challenges.

Transport Industry Wants Extended Transition

Transporters had hoped the government might extend the relaxation permitting BS-IV compliant vehicles entry into Delhi. Bhim Wadhawa of the All India Motor Transport Congress was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times there is a time of one year for them during which BS-IV compliant vehicles will be allowed entry.

Rajendra Kapoor of the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association said they will hold a meeting to discuss the next course of action.

"The Supreme Court had given the orders. If we want the restrictions on entry of BS-IV compliant vehicles not to be imposed even after the period of one year, we will have to approach the court. We will hold a meeting next week to decide what needs to be done," he added.

Phased Implementation

The phased implementation strategy aims to progressively eliminate older, more polluting commercial vehicles from Delhi's roads whilst providing the transport industry adequate time to transition their fleets to cleaner technology. The restrictions form part of broader measures to combat the capital's deteriorating air quality, particularly during winter months when pollution levels typically surge.