The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is taking strong steps to curb vehicular pollution, which contributes to Delhi’s toxic air quality. Starting July 1, 2025, the fueling of all end-of-life (EOL) vehicles will be banned in Delhi. This restriction will be extended to Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Sonepat from November 1, 2025, and will apply to other NCR cities by April 2026.
Identifying and Enforcing Restrictions on EOL Vehicles
EOL vehicles will be monitored using Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at fuel stations. These cameras will help identify vehicles that are not compliant with pollution control standards. Once identified, these vehicles will face legal action, including impounding and proper disposal. The CAQM has emphasized that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure that these old, highly polluting vehicles are off the road.
Ban on Polluting Commercial Vehicles
In addition to the EOL vehicle ban, the CAQM has also imposed a restriction on commercial vehicles entering Delhi. Starting November 1, only vehicles that meet BS-VI standards or run on CNG/LNG will be allowed to enter the city. This move aims to reduce pollution caused by commercial vehicles, which contribute significantly to Delhi’s air pollution levels. Only Delhi-registered vehicles will be exempt from this restriction.
The identification of EOL vehicles will be supported by advanced technology. ANPR cameras, which are being set up at all fuel stations, will link up with the VAHAN database to quickly check whether a vehicle is compliant with pollution standards. Additionally, these cameras will relay an audio message when non-compliant vehicles are detected. Surveillance cameras on major roads and traffic management systems will also be used to catch any EOL vehicles still on the road.
With these new measures, the CAQM aims to improve air quality and reduce the pollution load from vehicles in Delhi and the surrounding NCR region.
