Delhi Bans Entry of Sub-BS-IV Commercial Goods Vehicles

Delhi BS4 vehicle entry ban: The Delhi government has imposed a ban on the entry of all non-Delhi-registered commercial goods vehicles below BS-IV emission standards, effective November 1, 2025. The directive, issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to curb vehicular emissions in the National Capital Region (NCR) ahead of the annual winter smog season.

This move is part of Delhi’s broader strategy to tackle chronic air pollution during winter months, when weather conditions trap pollutants and cause air quality to deteriorate sharply.

Scope and Implementation of the Ban

Key Provisions of the Delhi BS4 vehicle entry ban

The restriction applies to Light, Medium, and Heavy Goods Vehicles (LGVs, MGVs, and HGVs) registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-IV standards.
BS-IV-compliant vehicles will continue to be permitted until October 31, 2026, giving operators time to upgrade their fleets.
Vehicles registered within Delhi and those running on CNG, LNG, or electricity are exempt from the ban.

What are BS Emission Norms?

The Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms define India’s regulatory framework for vehicular pollution control. The standards, modelled on European norms, aim to limit the output of harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter (PM).

Evolution of Bharat Stage (BS) Standards

BS-IV: Introduced in 2017; reduced NOx and particulate emissions by over 50% compared to BS-III.
BS-VI: Rolled out nationwide in April 2020; mandates advanced emission control systems, including diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems.

Under the current rule, BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles, along with CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles, are exempt from restrictions — a move designed to promote cleaner and energy-efficient mobility.

Exam-Oriented Facts

The ban on non-BS-IV commercial goods vehicles entering Delhi took effect on November 1, 2025.
BS-VI, CNG, LNG, and electric vehicles are exempt from restrictions.
23 enforcement teams are stationed at Delhi’s border checkpoints.
The initiative is implemented under the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
The measure complements the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and electric mobility promotion efforts.

Other initiatives in Delhi to curb vehicle pollution

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): Adaptive framework for pollution control measures based on AQI levels.
Odd-Even Traffic Scheme: Periodic vehicle rationing to reduce road congestion and emissions.
Promotion of Electric Mobility: Incentives under the Delhi EV Policy to encourage adoption of zero-emission vehicles.

Together, these efforts underscore Delhi’s multi-layered approach to reducing vehicular emissions and safeguarding public health during the high-pollution winter months.