Delhi bans entry of non-Delhi BS-III and older commercial goods vehicles from Nov 1

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has ordered a ban on the entry of all non-Delhi-registered commercial goods vehicles that are BS-III or lower into the national capital starting Saturday, November 1, as part of efforts to tackle worsening winter air pollution.

The restriction applies to all Light, Medium and Heavy Goods Vehicles (LGVs, MGVs and HGVs) that do not meet BS-IV norms. BS-IV-compliant vehicles will be permitted until October 31, 2026. BS refers to Bharat Stage emission standards, with BS-VI being the latest and cleanest currently in force.

To enforce the order, 23 joint teams of the Transport Department and Delhi Traffic Police will be deployed at major entry points, including Kundli, Rajokri, Tikri, Aya Nagar, Kalindi Kunj, Kapashera, Mandoli and the Dwarka Expressway. Around 50,000–70,000 vehicles in the region are estimated to fall below BS-IV standards and will be turned back, officials said.

There will be no entry curbs on Delhi-registered goods vehicles or those running on CNG, LNG or electricity. BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles are also exempt year-round.

Delhi’s air quality improved marginally on Friday but remained in the “poor” category, with an AQI of 268 at 8 am, according to the CPCB.