Delhi Allows Only BS-VI, EV Goods Vehicles From November; 62 Traffic Hotspots Targeted

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, a sweeping initiative to tackle the capital's chronic air quality crisis, with tough new rules on vehicle emissions and a drive to ease congestion at dozens of pollution hotspots.

From 1 November, only goods vehicles meeting BS-VI standards or running on CNG or electricity will be permitted to enter Delhi. The restriction forms part of a broader zero-tolerance approach to vehicle emissions, backed by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems. The government is also enforcing a "No PUC, No Fuel" rule, under which vehicles without valid pollution-under-control certificates will be denied fuel.

The plan identifies 62 traffic hotspots across the city for targeted, time-bound interventions to ease congestion. A citywide Intelligent Traffic Management System is being rolled out alongside smart parking solutions and pricing reforms designed to cut road emissions. During periods of severe pollution, the government may also introduce staggered office timings, work-from-home arrangements and additional curbs on high-polluting vehicles.

To reduce dependence on private cars, the government aims to expand Delhi's bus fleet to 13,760 vehicles by 2028-29, with a preference for electric buses. Metro and rapid rail networks will be integrated with feeder buses, electric autos and shared transport services to improve last-mile connectivity. Some 32,000 electric vehicle charging points are also planned over the next four years, supported by an upcoming EV Policy 2026 focused on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.

The plan covers 11 priority sectors in all, including road dust, construction activity, industrial emissions, waste management and biomass burning. Road dust will be tackled through mechanical sweepers, water sprinklers and anti-smog guns, with GPS tracking and a centralised dashboard monitoring operations in real time. Nearly 3,500 kilometres of roads are to be resurfaced with paved finishes and green buffers.

The government has set firm deadlines to clear Delhi's three legacy landfill sites: Okhla by July 2026, Bhalswa by December 2026 and Ghazipur by December 2027. A complete ban on biomass burning is already in force, with electric heaters being distributed as an alternative. Industrial units must now install online emission monitoring systems or face closure.

On the greening front, the government has pledged to plant 70 lakh trees, shrubs and bamboo plants in 2026-27, with a longer-term target exceeding one crore plantations.

CM Gupta said the plan was "not just a policy announcement" but "an enforcement-driven campaign powered by resources, technology and strict oversight," adding that clean air was a fundamental right for every Delhi resident.