The Delhi Traffic Police will allow only electric, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses to operate in the national capital, while diverting buses that do not meet the prescribed norms at the city’s borders, as efforts are stepped up to curb air pollution and traffic congestion in the city.
The decision was taken at an inter-state coordination meeting chaired by Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary on Thursday. The meeting focused on implementing Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), according to PTI.
Stage-I of GRAP includes measures to control dust pollution from construction and demolition activities, road dust and open waste burning, among other sources.
Representatives of relevant departments, civic agencies and police authorities from neighbouring states and districts attended the meeting.
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"Only electric vehicles, CNG and BS-VI diesel buses would be permitted to operate, subject to prescribed conditions. Non-compliant buses must be stopped and diverted at the borders, as turning them back after they enter Delhi leads to congestion and additional pollution," the Delhi Traffic Police was quoted as saying in a statement.
Restrictions On Vehicles Registered Outside Delhi
The meeting also reviewed restrictions on vehicles registered outside Delhi, which will be in force from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, subject to notified exemptions. According to the official, it was decided that prominent display boards would be installed at Delhi’s borders to alert motorists to the restrictions. Joint enforcement teams may also be formed to ensure compliance.
Authorities were instructed to enforce no-entry timings strictly, check vehicles that are not destined for Delhi and overloaded vehicles, and take action against those transporting construction and demolition material in violation of prescribed norms, the statement said.
Vehicle owners were advised to carry valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates wherever applicable.
The meeting also called on civic agencies to accelerate construction work, minimise dust generation and carry out regular water sprinkling on roads and construction sites.
"To improve coordination, a dedicated WhatsApp group will be created for real-time sharing of directions and monitoring action taken by various agencies," the statement said.
Air Quality Remains In Poor Category
Delhi recorded its first 'poor' air quality day of the season on Wednesday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 245, its highest reading in 100 days. The city last recorded a comparable level on July 13, when the AQI stood at 246, according to the data.
Following the deterioration in air quality, the CAQM invoked Stage-I of GRAP across Delhi-NCR.
The Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi has forecast that air quality is likely to remain in the 'poor' category from October 21 to 24. Its outlook for the following six days also indicates that the AQI is likely to stay in the same category.
