Delhi Sees Sharp Drop in Traffic as GRAP-4 Curbs Take Effect

Delhi authorities confirmed a substantial decrease in vehicular traffic across the national capital on December 19, 2025, resulting from the stringent enforcement of Stage IV restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-4), implemented to counter hazardous air pollution levels that had persisted in the severe category for several days.

The Delhi government reported heightened public compliance with compulsory Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate regulations, evidenced by numerous vehicle owners voluntarily obtaining certifications, while many residents shifted to public transportation, carpooling arrangements, or work-from-home options to minimise non-essential travel amid bans on specific vehicle classes and heightened scrutiny.

Enforcement was bolstered through the mobilisation of 210 coordinated teams from the Delhi Transport Department and Traffic Police, strategically positioned at border checkpoints, fuel stations, and major arterial roads to conduct rigorous inspections and issue penalties, culminating in thousands of challans for non-compliant vehicles.

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Although the overall Air Quality Index lingered in the very poor to severe range, with certain monitoring stations recording elevated readings, the aggregate effect of prohibitions on older polluting vehicles, restricted truck entries, and suspended construction activities led to observably lighter traffic and a potential decline in transport-related emissions.

Authorities reiterated their unwavering commitment to the directives of the Commission for Air Quality Management, emphasising that persistent vigilant enforcement combined with active public participation is indispensable for ameliorating the acute pollution emergency and safeguarding respiratory health throughout the region.

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