Stricter Emission Norms Possibly Phasing Out Gasoline and Diesel Vehicles in Delhi-NCR Region?
The Central Government has announced plans to phase out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Delhi-NCR, with a focus on the commercial vehicle sector, including public buses. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to improve air quality in the region.
From April 1, no fuel will be sold to vehicles with expired Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates in Delhi. A more significant move, the ban on refueling 15-year-old ICE-powered vehicles in Delhi-NCR, is set to take effect from April 2025, although the exact timeline and permanence of this ban are yet to be determined.
The ban on refueling 15-year-old ICE-powered vehicles was recently passed by the government, but it remains unclear whether it will extend beyond cars or apply to other vehicles as well. The timeline for the phase out will be fixed after discussions with stakeholder ministries and automobile companies.
By the end of 2025, all buses plying between Delhi-NCR will be converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric vehicles (EVs). A ban on ICE-powered three-wheeler goods and light goods vehicles is expected to come into effect from 2026-27, with commercial taxis following suit.
Privately-owned cars and bikes will be the last to make the switch from ICE vehicles to CNG, hybrid, or electric vehicles. Registrations of new vehicles in Delhi-NCR will be restricted, allowing only CNG, hybrid, or electric vehicles to register.
The Indian Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and leading automobile companies like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra are expected to be involved in the decision-making processes regarding the ban on pure petrol and diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR in the coming weeks.
However, the article questions whether banning ICE vehicles is the ultimate solution to curb air pollution in Delhi-NCR. Some argue that it could be seen as an easy target, and the potential impact on the economy of Delhi-NCR and the overall effectiveness of the ban in improving air quality remains uncertain.
The move to phase out ICE vehicles in Delhi-NCR, Noida, and Gurugram is part of the Central Government's broader plan to combat air pollution in these cities. The Central Government is planning to phase out pure petrol and diesel vehicles in these regions in the near future.
