Only BS6, CNG and commercial EVs will be allowed in Delhi from Nov 1, 2025

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has unveiled the ambitious Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, marking a significant policy shift aimed at combating the city’s chronic air pollution.

This comprehensive strategy is designed to address one of the most persistent environmental challenges facing the National Capital Region.

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A cornerstone of this plan is a sweeping new regulation restricting the entry of commercial vehicles into the capital.   

Starting November 1, 2025, a critical deadline will come into effect: only commercial vehicles compliant with BS-VI emission standards, or those running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), or electric power (EV), will be permitted entry into Delhi.

This firm date, consistently reiterated across official announcements, signals a robust political determination to enforce vehicular emission controls.

The policy is presented as a foundational element of a multi-year plan, suggesting a permanent and systemic change rather than temporary fixes. This approach is poised to ensure higher compliance and a more sustained impact on environmental quality.  

This bold move is central to the Delhi government’s vision of achieving a “clean, green, and healthy Delhi” and addressing the long-standing challenge of severe air quality, particularly exacerbated during winter months. Read More; Delhi EV Policy 2.0: Aiming for 95% EVs by 2027, Electric Car Mandate & More

The government’s commitment underscores a strategic shift towards sustainable development and cleaner mobility solutions, aligning with broader national sustainability goals.   

New Delhi Mandate: Who, What, and When

The new regulations establish clear criteria for commercial vehicles seeking entry into Delhi, with differentiated timelines and exemptions for various categories.

For Commercial Goods Vehicles:

From November 1, 2025, all commercial goods vehicles—including Light, Medium, and Heavy Goods Vehicles—will be barred from entering Delhi unless they are BS-VI compliant, and run on CNG, LNG, or electric power.

This directive, issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under Direction No. 88, aims to significantly curb particulate matter emissions, which are a major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution throughout the year and are acutely problematic during winter.   

A notable aspect of this restriction is its exemption for commercial vehicles registered in Delhi.

This policy choice indicates a primary focus on inter-state pollution sources, with the immediate and most significant impact of the ban falling on transport operators from neighbouring states.

This approach places a direct burden on out-of-state operators who frequently enter Delhi, potentially compelling them to accelerate fleet upgrades or reroute their logistics.

This differentiation highlights a targeted application of the “polluter pays” principle, specifically for vehicles originating from outside the capital.

Additionally, non-BS-VI-compliant goods vehicles carrying essential supplies will be granted a brief grace period, allowed entry only until October 31, 2026.   

For Public Transport and Fleet Services:

Extending the clean fuel mandate, all buses entering Delhi under various service categories (contract carriage, school/institutional permits, All India Tourist Permits) must operate on BS-VI diesel, CNG, or electric power from November 1, 2026.

This condition, outlined in CAQM’s Statutory Direction No. 93, also exempts buses already registered in Delhi.

The later implementation date for buses, compared to commercial goods vehicles, acknowledges the larger logistical and financial challenges involved in transitioning public transport fleets.

This phased approach allows more time for infrastructure development and fleet upgrades in this critical sector, balancing environmental goals with operational feasibility.   

A phased transition to cleaner fuels is also mandated for app-based cab companies, e-commerce, and logistics fleets operating in Delhi-NCR. From January 1, 2026, only electric or CNG three-wheelers will be allowed as new additions to their fleets.

Furthermore, no new diesel or petrol-run two-wheelers or four-wheeler light commercial vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) will be permitted for induction into these fleets from this date.

Existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles already in service may, however, continue to operate for the time being. 

Recognizing the regional nature of air pollution, CAQM has urged other NCR states—including Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan—to frame similar policies. This call is particularly targeted at high-vehicle-density cities, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad.

This emphasis on regional coordination underscores the understanding that air pollution does not respect administrative boundaries.

By encouraging uniform policies across the NCR, CAQM aims to create a larger clean air zone, preventing “pollution havens” and enhancing the overall effectiveness of Delhi’s measures.   

To provide a clear overview of these multifaceted regulations, the key dates and affected categories are summarized below:

Dates for Delhi’s Commercial Vehicle Emission Norms

The new vehicle entry restrictions are part of Delhi’s broader, multi-pronged Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, which extends beyond vehicular norms to address various sources of pollution comprehensively.

This holistic strategy reflects a deeper understanding that air pollution is a complex problem requiring simultaneous action across multiple sectors.

The plan places electric transportation at its core, aiming for a rapid transition to cleaner modes. Initiatives include the deployment of 2,299 electric autos at key Delhi Metro stations.

A massive expansion of public and semi-public EV charging infrastructure is also planned, with 18,000 new charging points to be installed across malls, airports, railway/bus stations, and commercial hubs. An audit and upgrade of existing infrastructure are also in the pipeline to support this transition.

The government aims for 80% of its fleet to transition to clean fuel, and a revised EV policy is expected to further encourage private and commercial EV adoption.

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Delhi has already achieved 12% fleet electrification, with an ambitious target of 95% by 2030. Furthermore, non-essential, non-electric vehicles will be gradually phased out from sensitive ecological zones like forests and protected areas, where only EVs will be permitted.