More than 10 lakh vehicles registered in neighbouring National Capital Region (NCR) cities could be affected by Delhi’s decision to restrict the entry of vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS6) emission standards from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. The restriction is part of the capital’s winter air pollution control measures.
According to estimates from the Delhi transport department, Gurgaon and Faridabad together have nearly two lakh vehicles that fall below BS6 standards. Around 70% of these vehicles comply only with BS3 or BS4 norms. The two Haryana districts also have approximately 50,000 commercial vehicles that do not meet BS6 requirements.
Noida and Greater Noida have more than four lakh vehicles below the prescribed emission standard, with BS4 vehicles accounting for over half the total. These are predominantly petrol cars. Ghaziabad has approximately four lakh vehicles that do not meet BS6 standards, a senior transport department official told The Times of India.
The restriction will apply to vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not comply with BS6 norms. Electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles will be exempt.
Authorities are strengthening enforcement at Delhi’s entry points to implement the measure. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras are being deployed at border checkpoints and strategic lanes to identify vehicle registration numbers. Officials are also reinforcing entry points to physically prevent non-compliant vehicles from entering the capital.
Around 300 personnel from the transport department’s enforcement teams are expected to be deployed as part of the arrangements.
India’s Bharat Stage emission standards prescribe legally enforceable limits on pollutants released by motor vehicles. The country moved through successive standards, including BS2, BS3 and BS4, before transitioning to BS6.
The three-month restriction could affect thousands of commuters travelling regularly from neighbouring NCR cities to Delhi, particularly during the winter months, when deteriorating air quality remains a major concern.
Source: The Times of India
