Delhis new vehicle curbs from Nov 1: Commuters to suffer as govt set to ban non-BS-VI outside vehicles

PTC News Desk: People travelling to Delhi from Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and other parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) may face restrictions this winter depending on their vehicles’ emission standards.

Under Delhi’s winter pollution-control plan, certain petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside the capital that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards will be barred from entering Delhi from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

Electric and CNG vehicles, along with specified emergency and official-duty vehicles, are exempt from this particular restriction. Vehicles registered outside Delhi that meet BS-VI standards will also be allowed to enter. The restriction does not apply to Delhi-registered vehicles under this specific rule, although other pollution-control and vehicle-age regulations will continue to apply.

Motorists must also follow the separate ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy, which requires vehicles to have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) to obtain fuel in Delhi. Therefore, drivers should check both their vehicle’s emission category and the validity of their PUC certificate before travelling.

What are BS-VI emission standards ?

Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards are rules introduced in India to limit the pollutants released by motor vehicles. They set limits on harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.

The new restriction could affect people who regularly travel to Delhi for work, business or other purposes, particularly those using older petrol and diesel vehicles registered in neighbouring cities.

AI cameras to help identify non-compliant vehicles

Authorities are preparing to identify vehicles that do not meet the required emission standards at Delhi’s entry points.

Artificial intelligence-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at border checkpoints and key road sections will scan vehicle registration plates and help officials identify vehicles that may be violating the restrictions.

Authorities are also strengthening checks at entry points, particularly on routes connecting Delhi with Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.

According to transport department estimates, more than 10 lakh vehicles in Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad do not meet BS-VI standards. However, not all these vehicles will necessarily be affected, as the restriction applies to specified categories of vehicles and includes exemptions.