Delhi is set to tighten vehicle entry rules from November 1, 2026, with restrictions targeting older vehicles, interstate diesel buses and trucks registered outside the national capital. The Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory asking motorists to check their vehicle's emission standards and documentation before travelling to the city.
The restrictions, introduced under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), are aimed at curbing vehicular pollution and improving Delhi's air quality. In a post on X, the traffic police outlined the categories of vehicles that will be permitted and those that will face entry restrictions.
Which vehicles will be allowed in Delhi?
Vehicles complying with Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission standards, along with CNG and electric vehicles, will be allowed to enter and operate in Delhi. Vehicles covered under specific exemptions mentioned in the notification will also be permitted, subject to applicable conditions.
BS-VI norms regulate emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter. These standards came into force across India in April 2020.
Which vehicles will face restrictions?
From November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, trucks and other vehicles registered outside Delhi will be barred from entering the capital, except those running on CNG or electricity and BS-VI-compliant vehicles.
Other restrictions include:
Invalid PUCC: Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will be denied entry, including those meeting BS-VI standards.
Non-destination goods vehicles: Trucks not headed for Delhi must avoid the capital and use the Eastern or Western Peripheral Expressway or alternative routes.
Interstate diesel buses: Buses arriving from other states that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will not be allowed to enter Delhi.
What is GRAP Stage-I?
Stage-I of GRAP is activated when the Air Quality Index (AQI) falls between 201 and 300, categorised as 'poor'. The measures focus on controlling pollution from road dust, construction activities, vehicle emissions and open waste burning.
Delhi recently recorded several days of poor air quality. However, rain and thunderstorms brought relief on Friday, with the AQI improving to 90 at 9.05 am, placing it in the 'satisfactory' category, compared with 222 at 4 pm on Thursday.