Saturday, March 29, 2025
In a decisive step to tackle worsening air pollution, the Delhi government has banned the entry of BS4 commercial vehicles into the national capital starting November 1, 2025. The decision, implemented under directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to curb toxic emissions during the winter smog season.
The air quality in Delhi has deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, crossing hazardous levels. In response, authorities have restricted entry of all BS4 and older diesel and petrol commercial vehicles into the city. These vehicles are known to emit higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM) — key contributors to Delhi’s toxic air.
As per CAQM orders, only BS6-standard commercial vehicles will be permitted temporary access until October 31, 2026, to allow businesses time to upgrade their fleets.
Despite the ban, some categories of vehicles are exempt:
BS4 petrol and diesel vehicles registered in Delhi for essential commercial use.
CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles — these are encouraged for low-emission urban transport.
Private vehicles, taxis, Ola, and Uber cabs remain unaffected.
The Delhi Transport Department clarified that registered goods carriers, including light, medium, and heavy vehicles, are covered under the restriction.
To ensure strict compliance, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) scanners have been installed at all Delhi entry points. Vehicles violating the ban will face permit cancellation and a penalty of up to ₹20,000. Officials warned that enforcement drives will intensify over the coming weeks.
Authorities see this policy as an opportunity for fleet modernization. By phasing out BS4 engines and pushing toward BS6 and electric technology, the Delhi government hopes to significantly reduce vehicular emissions. This move aligns with the city’s broader Clean Air Initiative and India’s 2030 emission targets.
The Bharat Stage (BS) standards define permissible vehicle emission limits. BS4, implemented nationwide in April 2020, was later replaced by BS6, which cuts harmful emissions by nearly 70%. BS6 vehicles use advanced technology like diesel particulate filters (DPF) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to reduce pollutants.
Delhi’s Transport Commissioner urged citizens and logistics companies to cooperate with the restrictions and view this as a collective responsibility toward cleaner air. Officials added that any disobedience would attract strict penalties.
