Delhi's new vehicle entry rules, construction ban comes into effect. Here's all you need to know

In order to tackle the winter air pollution and improve air quality over the coming months in Delhi, new rules regarding the entry of vehicles comes in to effect from today (Sunday, Nov 1). According to the new rules, all vehicles that do not meet the Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards, subject to specified exemptions, will not be allowed entry in the national capital. The ban will remain in effect until January 31, 2027.

Even those vehicles that meet the Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission standards while entering Delhi must have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC), else they will be denied fuel at petrol pumps in the city.

Electric and CNG vehicles, along with specified emergency and official-duty vehicles like ambulances, fire tenders are however, exempted from this particular restriction. Also BS-VI-compliant vehicles registered outside Delhi can still enter.

How will it impact travellers entering Delhi?

The move is likely to impact commuters travelling into the capital from neighbouring cities like Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad as more than 10 lakh vehicles fall below BS-VI standards, according to transport department estimates.

Nearly two lakh vehicles do not meet BS-VI norms in Gurugram and Faridabad. Close to 70 per cent of vehicles in these two neighbouring districts of Delhi are BS-III and BS-IV standard . Also they have around 50,000 commercial vehicles that do not meet the BS-VI norms.

The rule is likely to impact office goers and businessmen the most as they commute daily on their vehicles to Delhi.

In order to stop people from violating the new rules, AI-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be available at border checkpoints and strategic lanes will scan registration plates to help flag vehicles for checks.

Checks will also be heightened at entry points for physical enforcement, particularly on routes from Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.

Construction ban

The new rule also bans Construction work, particularly dust-generating demolition work and outdoor civil construction activities from November 1 to January 31.