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By Impact News Point | October 31, 2025
Starting November 1, Delhi will enforce one of its strictest pollution-control measures yet only BS-VI compliant commercial goods vehicles will be allowed to enter the national capital. The new rule, issued under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), aims to curb the toxic smog that grips Delhi every winter.
This means that older diesel vehicles particularly BS-IV and below will not be permitted inside Delhi limits unless they meet specific exemption criteria.
What the Rule Means for Vehicle Owners
According to officials, commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi that fail to meet BS-VI norms will be stopped at the city borders. However, as part of a transitional arrangement, BS-IV vehicles have been granted relaxation until October 31, 2026, allowing operators a one-year window to upgrade or replace their fleets.
Some vehicles are exempted from the ban, including:
- Goods vehicles already registered in Delhi.
- BS-VI compliant commercial vehicles.
- Vehicles powered by CNG, LNG, or electricity.
Private cars, passenger taxis, and buses are not covered under this particular order, though similar restrictions could be considered if pollution levels worsen in the coming weeks.
Why the Ban Is Necessary
The decision comes as Delhi’s air quality plunges to “severe” levels across several parts of the city. In areas like Anand Vihar, Ashok Vihar, and Chandni Chowk, pollution readings have crossed the 400 mark on the Air Quality Index (AQI), indicating hazardous conditions.
Studies show that commercial transport vehicles contribute nearly 38% of Delhi’s air pollution, especially diesel trucks and carriers that operate daily between NCR cities. By restricting older vehicles, authorities expect a noticeable decline in emissions of nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide this season.
Officials say the measure is part of a larger strategy to prepare Delhi for a cleaner, safer winter one less clouded by the deadly haze that chokes the city every year.
What Transporters Are Saying
The new rule has divided opinion in the transport sector. Large logistics companies have largely welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step toward sustainability.
However, small transport operators and truck owners are expressing concern about the financial strain of replacing or upgrading vehicles. They have requested the government to provide scrappage incentives or financial support to ease the transition.
A transporter from Ghaziabad told Impact News Point, “We understand the need to clean Delhi’s air, but it’s not easy for small operators. A single new BS-VI truck costs nearly double what we paid earlier. The government should help us adapt.”
How This Affects Daily Life
For Delhi residents, this could mean a visible reduction in heavy diesel traffic on roads and possibly cleaner air in the weeks ahead. Experts believe that even a 10–15% reduction in vehicle emissions can make a measurable difference in air quality during peak pollution months.
For commuters, fewer heavy trucks could also mean smoother traffic movement during early mornings and late nights, when commercial vehicles usually enter the city.
However, businesses relying on daily goods movement may see a short-term rise in transport costs, as fleet operators adjust to the new compliance standards.
Parting Thoughts
The vehicle entry ban is part of Delhi’s Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), which activates emergency pollution-control measures when air quality deteriorates. Officials have confirmed that surveillance teams and automatic number plate recognition systems (ANPR) will monitor vehicle entry points to ensure strict compliance.
If successful, this move could set an example for other polluted cities across India to adopt BS-VI-only entry zones in urban areas. While it remains to be seen how effective the rule will be, Delhi’s residents are hopeful that this winter, the city might finally breathe a little easier.
