New Traffic Regulations to Combat Air Pollution

As the air quality in the national capital region continues to deteriorate, the Delhi Traffic Police has officially announced stringent vehicle entry restrictions under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The new regulations, aimed at curbing vehicular emissions and improving air quality, will officially come into effect on November 1.

Motorists and commercial transport operators have been strongly urged to verify their vehicles' compliance status before planning any travel into the capital.

Permitted vs. Restricted Vehicles

Under the updated guidelines, only specific categories of vehicles meeting modern environmental norms will be granted unhindered entry into Delhi.

Allowed Categories: - BS-VI compliant vehicles - CNG-powered commercial and private vehicles - Electric vehicles (EVs) - Specially exempted categories subject to official notifications

Restricted Categories: - Vehicles failing to meet BS-VI emission standards - Vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) - Non-compliant interstate buses - Heavy commercial trucks not destined for Delhi (which must utilize peripheral expressways) - Tractors and improvised 'jugad' vehicles - Certain categories of commercial vehicles registered outside the National Capital Region

Crackdown on Fraudulent Permits

In tandem with the rollout of the revised GRAP rules, enforcement agencies have stepped up border checks. Recently, the Northern Range Traffic Police conducted a special enforcement operation following directives from Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dr. Sachin Kumar Singhal.

During the targeted checks at Delhi's border points, authorities uncovered violations involving commercial operators utilizing fake No Entry Permissions (NEPs). Consequently, three separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Official Assistance and Advisories

Traffic authorities have emphasized that strict penal action will be taken against violators. Commuters facing uncertainties regarding vehicle eligibility or traffic diversions have been advised to utilize the Delhi Traffic Police helpline numbers (011-25844444 and 1095) for real-time assistance.

With Stage I of GRAP already invoked by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), law enforcement agencies remain on high alert to ensure absolute compliance across all entry corridors.