Key highlights
- BS4 ban in Delhi announced
- Pre-BS6 vehicles (light, medium & commercial) not allowed from November 1
- Only CNG, LNG, and EVs are allowed to enter the capital
Delhi is once again getting ready for its annual pollution-curbing sanctions. The state government has announced that all pre-BS6 vehicles that are registered outside of Delhi will not be allowed to enter the state starting from November 1, 2026.
This time, the ban is going to be a longer one. The state has announced that no diesel or petrol light, medium and commercial vehicles will be allowed to enter Delhi till Januar 31, 2027. This makes the ban a four-month-long stint now.
However, if the vehicle is powered by CNG, LNG, or is an EV, then the ban does not apply. Additionally, Delhi has announced the “No PUC, no fuel” rule as well. If a vehicle is found without a PUC, it will not only get a hefty fine, but also no fuel will be provided to it in the state.
Delhi government will also roll out a plan to reduce pollution by applying staggered office timings and work-from-home arrangements so that traffic contribute in the pollution as low as possible. Not long ago, the state also doubled the MCD parking fees to encourage people to use public transport as much as possible.
Does the BS4 ban in Delhi make sense?
Delhi has long been struggling with a spike in air pollution during the festive season every year. The AQI metres record as high as 700 points during this spike annually, leading to serious health hazards for the residents.
The government has long been trying to control tailpipe emissions in the capital by imposing various sanctions like the BS4 vehicle ban, but it is not the major contributor. Online reports state that the maximum pollution is caused by industrial waste and air pollution. However, heavy fines and sanctions have not been issued in all these years.
Controlling the vehicle population and tailpipe emissions is not the core solution. However, it certainly helps, and that’s what the authorities are trying to achieve.
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