In a bid to combat escalating air pollution, Delhi is set to ban the entry of specific vehicles starting November 1, 2025. The decision, directed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to reduce vehicular emissions during the peak winter smog period.

The ban primarily targets commercial goods vehicles registered outside of Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards. This includes light commercial vehicles (LCV), medium goods vehicles (MGV), and heavy goods vehicles (HGV). The transport department is preparing to strictly enforce the order, deploying 48 special teams to prevent non-compliant vehicles from entering the city. Notices have already been issued to warn owners of these vehicles about the impending restrictions.

BS-VI emission standards are stricter, resulting in significantly lower pollutant emissions compared to older models. The move to restrict non-BS-VI vehicles is expected to play a crucial role in improving Delhi's air quality.

Vehicles that run on cleaner fuels like CNG, LNG, or electricity are exempt from the ban. BS-VI compliant commercial goods vehicles will be permitted to enter Delhi until October 31, 2026. After this date, even these vehicles will face restrictions, with only electric vehicles being allowed entry into the city.

To ensure compliance, the Transport Department and Traffic Police will install automatic number plate recognition cameras at all 126 border entry points along Delhi's borders with neighboring states. The agencies in charge of enforcing the CAQM order will also submit quarterly reports on their compliance efforts.

In addition to the vehicle entry ban, pre-existing restrictions on commercial goods vehicles under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will remain in effect whenever the corresponding GRAP stage is activated. On Monday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) recorded an AQI of 411 near the Akshardham temple, highlighting the severity of pollution in the capital. Stage 2 of GRAP has already been activated, which includes measures to discourage private vehicle use, such as increased parking fees and improved traffic management. This also includes synchronizing traffic signals and deploying sufficient personnel at key intersections to ensure smoother vehicle flow and reduce congestion-related emissions.

An earlier directive to phase out 10-year-old diesel and 15-year-old petrol vehicles in the NCR has been temporarily put on hold following a court order barring coercive action against such owners. As a transitional measure, BS-IV light, medium, and heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi will still be allowed entry until October 31, 2026.