What’s being banned 1 nov 2025
- Entry of BS-III (Bharat Stage III) goods/commercial vehicles into Delhi from adjoining areas. These are older trucks, LCVs and goods carriers that meet the 2005–2010-era emission standard (BS-IV became nationwide in 2017).
- The restriction usually applies at all Delhi border entry points and is reviewed based on air quality (often under the GRAP—Graded Response Action Plan—when AQI hits “Severe”).
Who can still enter
- Essential services and supplies: vehicles carrying perishable food (fruits/vegetables, milk, eggs), pharmaceuticals/medical equipment, fuel and LPG, public distribution system commodities, municipal solid-waste/maintenance, and emergency services (ambulance, fire, police, disaster relief).
- Cleaner vehicles: CNG and electric goods vehicles are generally allowed. BS-VI goods vehicles are typically permitted; some orders also allow BS-IV for specific essential categories—but check the exact notification.
- Exempt vehicles: government/emergency fleets on duty, defense vehicles, and those with special permissions.
Who isn’t allowed
- BS-III diesel/petrol goods vehicles carrying non-essential cargo.
- Vehicles that don’t meet the minimum standard specified in the order (often anything older than BS-VI for certain truck classes during the harshest GRAP stage). If in doubt, assume older diesel trucks without BS-VI are at risk of being turned back unless carrying essentials.
Where and how it’s enforced
- Border checkpoints such as Singhu, Tikri, Ghazipur, Badarpur, etc., with Delhi Traffic Police and Transport Department teams.
- Diversions for non-compliant trucks back into NCR routes or to holding/trans-shipment hubs outside Delhi.
- Violations can attract fines, impoundment, and prosecution under applicable environmental and motor vehicle laws (penalty amounts depend on the specific order).
Why this is being done
- Vehicular exhaust is a major share of winter smog in Delhi-NCR, compounded by stagnant air, low wind, and inversion. Older BS-III engines emit far more NOx and PM than BS-VI/CNG/electric vehicles.
- Cutting high-emitting freight entry during severe AQI episodes is among the quickest levers to reduce peak pollution.
What operators and businesses should do
- Switch to CNG/electric or BS-VI vehicles for Delhi runs where possible.
- Use trans-shipment: offload to compliant vehicles at NCR hubs.
- Reschedule non-essential deliveries or route around Delhi until restrictions ease.
- Carry documentation proving essential cargo if claiming exemption (invoices, consignment notes).
How long will it last?
- Typically until air quality improves and the CAQM/Delhi Transport Department withdraws or relaxes the GRAP stage. Reviews often occur every few days during severe episodes.
How to check if you’re compliant
- Look up the “Bharat Stage/BS” category on the vehicle’s registration certificate (RC), manufacturer plate, or VAHAN portal.
- Refer to the latest Delhi Transport Department/CAQM order for the exact list of exemptions and permitted standards.
