Delhi Bans Non-BS VI Goods Vehicles to Curb Air Pollution

The Delhi government has implemented a ban on the entry of all non-Delhi-registered commercial goods vehicles below BS-IV emission standards from November 1, 2025. The directive, issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the National Capital Region ahead of the winter smog season.

Scope and Implementation of the Ban

Under the new rules, Light, Medium, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs) that are registered outside Delhi and fall below BS-IV standards are prohibited from entering the capital. However, BS-IV-compliant vehicles will still be allowed entry until October 31, 2026, giving transport operators time to transition to cleaner models. The ban excludes vehicles registered within Delhi and those using cleaner fuels such as CNG, LNG, or electricity.

Enforcement at Key Delhi Entry Points

To ensure compliance, 23 enforcement teams comprising officials from the Transport Department and Delhi Traffic Police have been deployed across major entry points. These include Kundli, Rajokri, Tikri, Aya Nagar, Kalindi Kunj, Mandoli, Kapashera, Auchandi, and Bajghera borders. Each checkpoint is supervised by inspector-level officers authorised to turn back vehicles that fail to meet the prescribed emission norms. Officials estimate that 50,000 to 70,000 sub-BS-IV vehicles from neighbouring states will be affected by this restriction.

Understanding BS Emission Norms and Exemptions

The Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms are India’s regulatory standards for vehicle pollution control. The latest BS-VI standard, introduced nationwide in 2020, mandates advanced emission control systems that significantly reduce harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Under the current rule, BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles, along with CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles, face no entry restrictions into Delhi. These exemptions are designed to encourage the adoption of cleaner and energy-efficient transport technologies.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The ban on non-BS-IV goods vehicles entering Delhi began on November 1, 2025.
• BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles are exempt from restrictions.
• 23 enforcement teams are deployed at Delhi’s border checkpoints.
• The measure aims to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality.

Air Quality and Pollution Control Measures

Delhi’s air quality on Friday morning remained in the ‘poor’ category, with an AQI of 268, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Authorities hope that the new vehicle restrictions will bring measurable improvement as winter approaches—a period notorious for stagnant air and heavy smog. The move complements other pollution-control initiatives such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), odd-even traffic schemes, and the promotion of electric mobility, signalling a determined push toward cleaner air for the capital’s residents.