Delhi-NCR to phase out new petrol and diesel commercial vehicle registrations

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a phased ban on the registration of new petrol, diesel, and CNG-powered light goods vehicles (LGVs) in the Delhi-NCR region to combat air pollution.

For N1 category vehicles (weighing under 3,500 kg), registration of non-electric commercial vehicles will be prohibited in Delhi starting January 1, 2027. This restriction will extend to high-density districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar by July 1, 2027, with the remainder of the NCR following by January 1, 2028.

N2 category vehicles (3,500 kg to 7,500 kg) will face similar phased restrictions, with bans beginning in Delhi on January 1, 2028, and spreading across the NCR through January 1, 2029. The CAQM noted that while LGVs make up approximately 1.2% of the active vehicle fleet, they contribute roughly 3.3% of particulate matter emissions.

Additionally, the CAQM approved new measures to control dust pollution from stone crushing units. These units must now comply with 2023 Central Pollution Control Board guidelines, which include mandatory CCTV surveillance, PM2.5/PM10 sensors, and wheel-washing facilities.