The Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has issued an amendment to its previous Direction No. 88, concerning the strict restrictions on the entry of non-BS-VI compliant transport and commercial goods vehicles into the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The amendment temporarily relaxes the complete ban to address operational challenges and incorporates a recent decision by the Supreme Court regarding essential commodities.
Background and Supreme Court Ruling
The original Direction No. 88, dated April 23, 2025, mandated a strict ban on all commercial goods vehicles (LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs) below the BS-VI standard from entering Delhi, effective November 1, 2025. This direction had allowed a temporary exemption for non-BS-VI vehicles carrying essential commodities/providing essential services until October 31, 2026.
However, the Supreme Court, on September 26, 2025, considered an application from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and lifted the exemption previously granted to commercial vehicles carrying essential commodities. The MCD argued that stopping vehicles for physical verification of essential commodities caused prolonged stoppages, leading to continuous smoke emission and aggravating air pollution. The Supreme Court allowed the application, noting that the difficulty pointed out was genuine.
Amendment to the Ban and New Schedule
In light of the Supreme Court’s decision and operational challenges—such as non-availability of adequate arrangement for returning non-compliant vehicles, which could cause congestion at border entry points—the CAQM amended the strictness of the ban:
- BS-VI Ban Remains: A strict ban remains in place on the entry of any commercial goods vehicle, other than BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and Electric Vehicles (EVs), into Delhi, effective November 1, 2025, except for vehicles registered in Delhi.
- BS-IV Vehicles Permitted (Transitional Measure): As a transitional measure, all BS-IV compliant commercial goods vehicles (LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs) are now permitted to enter Delhi for a limited period up to October 31, 2026.
- BS-III and Below Restricted: The amendment confirms that BS-III and below standard commercial goods vehicles are strictly restricted from entering the NCT of Delhi, owing to their significantly higher pollution potential.
The CAQM views this one-year extension for BS-IV vehicles as a transitional measure to ease congestion while upholding the core goal of reducing the high pollution load from older commercial vehicles.
The Transport Department/Traffic Police in GNCTD and NCR States are directed to widely disseminate this amended direction and ensure strict compliance at all border entry points to Delhi. Quarterly reports on the action taken must be furnished to the Commission.