Delhi to Ban Non-BS VI Goods Vehicles From November 1 in Major Anti-Pollution Push

The Delhi government has announced a sweeping set of measures to curb air pollution, including a ban on the entry of non-BS VI compliant goods vehicles into the city from November 1, 2026. Only BS VI vehicles, along with those running on CNG and electric powertrains, will be permitted to enter the national capital.

The move forms part of the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, unveiled by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The strategy adopts a science-led, multi-sector approach to tackle key contributors to poor air quality, including vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial pollution and biomass burning.

The plan identifies 11 priority sectors, each with defined responsibilities and timelines, signalling a shift towards stricter, enforcement-driven action. The government emphasised that this initiative will be backed by technology, dedicated resources and continuous monitoring.

Among the key enforcement measures is the implementation of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, which will be enabled through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and digital tracking systems. Additional restrictions are also being prepared for days when pollution levels spike.

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To reduce reliance on private vehicles, the government is expanding public transport capacity significantly. Delhi’s bus fleet is set to grow to 13,760 units by 2028-29, with a strong focus on electric buses. In parallel, EV infrastructure will be scaled up with plans to install 32,000 charging points over the next four years.

The plan also addresses congestion and dust pollution. As many as 62 congestion hotspots will see targeted interventions, including infrastructure upgrades and intelligent traffic systems. Dust mitigation will involve mechanised sweepers, water sprinklers and anti-smog guns, all tracked via GPS-enabled systems.