New Delhi: In a major crackdown to curb rising air pollution, the Delhi government has imposed a blanket ban on the entry of BS4, BS3 and BS2 vehicles into the national capital, allowing only BS6-compliant vehicles to enter the city with immediate effect.
The decision comes amid worsening Air Quality Index (AQI) levels across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), prompting authorities to enforce Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4).
Under the new rules, all non-Delhi registered BS4 and older vehicles—including private cars, taxis, school buses and commercial vehicles—are barred from entering Delhi. The restriction is being strictly enforced at 156 entry points across the capital, where vehicles are screened for emission compliance.
What Is BS6 and Why It Matters
BS6 (Bharat Stage-VI) represents India’s strictest vehicle emission standard, designed to significantly reduce harmful pollutants released by petrol and diesel vehicles. Only vehicles meeting BS6 norms—or those running on electric or CNG power—are permitted entry into Delhi during the pollution emergency.
Who Is Allowed Entry?
✔️ BS6 petrol and diesel vehicles (any state registration)
✔️ All electric vehicles
✔️ All CNG vehicles
Who Is Banned?
❌ BS2, BS3 and BS4 vehicles registered outside Delhi
❌ Non-BS6 private, commercial, taxi and school vehicles
❌ Delhi-registered BS4 and older vehicles (fuel supply also restricted)
According to official estimates, nearly 12 lakh vehicles in the NCR fall below BS6 standards, including 2 lakh in Gurugram, 4 lakh in Noida, 5.5 lakh in Ghaziabad, and thousands more in surrounding districts. All these vehicles are now effectively barred from entering Delhi until further government orders.
Fuel Supply Also Restricted
Authorities have also directed petrol pumps in Delhi not to supply fuel to BS4 and older vehicles registered within the city, making it virtually impossible for such vehicles to operate during the restriction period.
Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa said the measures are essential to prevent further deterioration of air quality and urged citizens to cooperate by limiting vehicle use and ensuring compliance with pollution norms.
With pollution levels expected to remain severe in the coming days, officials warned that violators will be turned back at borders and strict enforcement will continue until air quality improves.
