Delhi will restrict the entry of commercial vehicles meeting BS-4 or lower emission standards from November 1, as the National Capital prepares for the annual winter rise in air pollution. The measure was outlined in an advisory issued by the Gurugram Traffic Police, with exemptions for specified vehicle categories.
According to the advisory, the restriction will cover light goods vehicles, medium goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, other trucks and buses entering Delhi. Transport operators, drivers and bus owners have been asked to check their vehicles’ emission standards and registration details before travelling to the capital.
The advisory states that vehicles powered by compressed natural gas and electricity will be exempt from the restriction. It also specifies that BS-4 diesel buses and trucks will be allowed to enter. Buses registered in Delhi have additionally been given an exemption.
Vehicles operating under All India Tourist Permits and vehicles providing other services will also fall under the restrictions, according to the traffic police notice. The exemptions and vehicle categories mean that operators will need to verify both the fuel type and registration status of their vehicles before attempting to enter Delhi.
The Gurugram Traffic Police said the measures were intended to control air pollution and protect the environment. The advisory places the compliance responsibility on transport businesses and drivers, who have been asked to ensure that their vehicles meet the applicable requirements before entering Delhi.
The restriction is part of a wider set of winter pollution-control measures announced by the Delhi government in July. Those directions provide for government and private offices to operate with 50% of their staff at a time from November 1, with the remaining employees working from home. The government also announced that parking charges would be doubled.
The July directions further stated that different restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan would be applied automatically through the winter period from November 1 to February 28. The stated aim was to allow departments to act in real time without issuing separate orders for each stage of worsening pollution.
Delhi and the wider National Capital Region typically experience a sharp deterioration in air quality during winter, creating health concerns for residents. The new vehicle restrictions also coincide with the Delhi government’s Electric Vehicle Policy 2.0, which came into force on July 1 and provides incentives and subsidies for new electric vehicle purchases.
Transport operators and vehicle owners will need to review their vehicle documents, emission standards, fuel type and registration status before the restriction takes effect on November 1.
