Delhi to enforce annual ban on polluting vehicles from other states

Delhi authorities announced Saturday that they will institutionalise restrictions on sub-BS-VI vehicles registered in other states and Union territories, making the ban an annual feature during the winter pollution season. The restriction will take effect from November 1 through January 31 every year, targeting the period when the city typically experiences its most severe air quality challenges.

Under the directive issued by the Delhi transport department, all BS-IV and lower-emission standard vehicles registered outside Delhi will be prohibited from plying within the city limits during these months. The announcement formalises what was initially introduced as a temporary measure under the Winter Action Plan, a seasonal initiative designed to curb vehicular emissions and reduce dust pollution during high-pollution months.

Commercial vehicles face stricter timelines under the new framework. From November 1, 2026, commercial goods vehicles including large, medium and heavy goods vehicles, as well as buses meeting BS-IV or lower standards, will be barred from entering Delhi entirely. This expansion reflects authorities' prioritisation of commercial transport as a significant pollution contributor during winter months.

The measure represents a comprehensive attempt to manage air quality deterioration through traffic management. By systematically excluding older, more polluting vehicles during peak pollution season, Delhi aims to reduce the cumulative impact of vehicular emissions when atmospheric conditions naturally trap pollutants closer to the ground.