End of Petrol-Diesel Vehicles Certain in Delhi-NCR; Only EVs to Ply by 2040

To curb pollution in Delhi-NCR, an expert committee has proposed phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2024 and banning the registration of new petrol and diesel cars starting in 2031.

Delhi, the capital grappling with pollution, is now considering a complete ban on petrol and diesel vehicles. A 15-member expert committee, constituted by the Commission for Air Quality Management, has recommended phasing out all petrol and diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR by 2040 to pave the way for a 100% electric vehicle (EV) fleet.

The committee has submitted its report to the Commission for Air Quality Management. Electric vehicles are being promoted to reduce pollution. This raises the question: what exactly does the report contain?

What is in the report?

The committee has put forward several proposals in the report. Suggestions include phasing out old vehicles, promoting new electric vehicles, and setting timelines for the registration of new vehicles.

Which vehicles cause the most pollution?

According to the committee, while the absolute number of old vehicles in Delhi-NCR is lower than that of new vehicles, old vehicles contribute disproportionately to pollution. Therefore, the committee has suggested phasing out old vehicles first to help reduce pollution levels.

Pollution levels spike during winter; consequently, the committee has proposed a ban on BS-IV vehicles from November 1 to January 31 to mitigate pollution during this season. However, it is important to note that this is currently just a proposal. It does not mean the ban will definitely be implemented; a final decision on the ban is yet to be made.

Has the rule come into effect?

The committee has submitted its report to the Commission for Air Quality Management. The Commission has already ordered the phasing out of light commercial vehicles and three-wheelers. However, other proposals are still under consideration. Will all petrol and diesel vehicles really be phased out by 2040? No final decision has been made on this yet. Nevertheless, it is clear that this step is being taken to curb rising pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

Which vehicles will be phased out and by when?

The committee's report makes the following recommendations regarding the phasing out of vehicles:

By 2030 – Recommendation to phase out BS-IV vehicles.
By 2035 – Recommendation to phase out BS-VI two-wheelers (bikes and scooters).
By 2040 – Suggestion to phase out BS-VI cars (four-wheelers).
From 2031 – Proposal to ban the new registration of ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) four-wheelers.

How to check if your vehicle is BS-IV or BS-VI

To do this, visit the official transport department website, enter your vehicle's registration number, and check the emission norms. Alternatively, you can check the 'Emission Norms' column in your vehicle's registration certificate; the information will be available there.