Delhi Bans Entry of Non-BS6 Commercial Vehicles from November 1

In a decisive step to combat worsening air pollution, the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi will prohibit entry of commercial goods vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS-VI emission norms, starting November 1, 2025.
This move, directed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to reduce vehicular pollution and improve air quality prospects for millions.​ 

Key Highlights of the Ban

• The ban applies to all commercial goods vehicles—light, medium, and heavy—that are registered outside Delhi and do not meet BS-VI emission standards.
• Vehicles registered within Delhi, BS-VI compliant diesel vehicles, BS-IV compliant vehicles (allowed till October 31, 2026), and vehicles running on cleaner fuels like CNG, LNG, or electricity are exempt.
• The directive is part of CAQM’s evolving framework under the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
• Existing transitional relaxations allow BS-IV compliant commercial vehicles entry till October 31, 2026, to provide operators time to upgrade their fleets.
• Restrictions based on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) will continue to be in force alongside the ban during pollution alarms.
• Multiple checkpoints at Delhi borders will enforce stringent inspections to prevent non-compliance.​

What This Means for Transporters and Operators

Transport operators managing pre-BS6 diesel-powered freight vehicles registered outside Delhi will need to either upgrade their fleets, reroute deliveries, or re-register vehicles within Delhi to maintain entry rights. The ban also underscores the growing importance of adopting cleaner technologies and fuels in the transport sector to reduce Delhi’s notorious winter smog.

Bhim Wadhawa of the All India Motor Transport Congress said that transporters have one year to comply with the transition period and adapt to the new ruling. Meanwhile, Rajendra Kapoor from the All India Motor and Goods Transport Association indicated legal measures might be explored to seek postponements, so the final impact will evolve in the coming months.​

Steps to Ensure Compliance

• Verify vehicle registration and emission standard before entering Delhi.
• Upgrade to BS-VI compliant vehicles or shift to cleaner fuels like CNG or electric.
• Transporters should actively monitor government announcements and GRAP triggers to avoid penalties.

Conclusion

The November 1 ban on non-BS6 commercial vehicles marks a critical policy intervention to significantly curb Delhi’s vehicular emissions. By tightening entry norms on outdated, polluting vehicles, Delhi enforces its commitment to clean air under CAQM guidelines. This regulatory push is key to safeguarding public health as the city grapples with persistent air quality challenges season after season.