Delhi Bans Non-BS-VI Outside Vehicles to Combat Winter Pollution

The Government of Delhi will prohibit vehicles registered outside the National Capital Territory that do not meet Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards from entering the city from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027. This measure is part of a broader winter pollution-control framework that could affect over 1 million vehicles in neighboring National Capital Region cities, including Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, and Faridabad.

Enforcement will be managed by 300 transport department personnel utilizing AI-powered surveillance and Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras at border checkpoints. Exemptions are granted to electric vehicles, CNG vehicles, and essential services such as ambulances and fire services.

Additional curbs starting November 1 include doubling parking charges at authorized facilities, except for those managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and a 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule at retail outlets. Government and private offices must limit physical attendance to 50%, while the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will implement staggered office timings from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Dust-generating construction and demolition activities will be restricted, with a complete ban scheduled from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027, except for urgent government works.