The Delhi government has enforced a strict ban on the entry of commercial goods vehicles not complying with BS-IV emission norms, effective from midnight on November 1, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to tackle the severe air pollution gripping the national capital. Triggered under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after the Air Quality Index hovered around 300 in the “very poor” category, the move aims to curb emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks—one of the city's largest pollution sources. According to officials, only BS-IV or higher-rated commercial vehicles with valid permits are allowed entry during the daytime, while nighttime entry remains completely prohibited. The initiative, coordinated with the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), mirrors similar actions taken last year when toxic air levels forced school closures and halted construction work.
Initial on-ground checks, however, indicate uneven implementation of the ban. An NDTV team reporting from border checkpoints, including the Ghazipur entry point from Uttar Pradesh, observed limited manpower and infrastructure as fog and low visibility compounded operational challenges. Municipal and police personnel stationed at the border began document and emissions certification checks shortly after midnight, issuing fines and diverting violators to holding areas. Yet, multiple lanes of incoming vehicles and a shortage of inspection teams appeared to allow room for older trucks, especially diesel-run freight carriers, to slip through undetected despite official claims of strict screening.
Similar enforcement gaps were seen at the Singhu and Tikri border crossings, where long vehicle queues formed, but not all trucks underwent emission verification through portable testing systems. While operators of modern BS-VI trucks produced compliance papers, some transporters criticised the sudden implementation timeline, raising concerns over disruptions to agricultural and perishable supply chains from neighbouring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Environmental groups, meanwhile, welcomed the move but warned that its success depends on continued vigilance, noting research from the Centre for Science and Environment which estimates trucks contribute nearly 40% of Delhi’s transport pollution. Authorities reported impounding more than 50 offending vehicles in the first hours and issuing challans worth around ₹5 lakh but acknowledged the need for improved technologies, such as automated number plate recognition systems.
With winter setting in, the ban comes amidst seasonal smog driven by stubble burning in neighbouring states and increasing festive-season emissions. The CAQM has urged stepped-up enforcement, public reporting through helplines, and cooperation between state agencies to ensure compliance. Essential vehicles such as milk and fuel tankers remain exempt to maintain supply stability. Forecasts warning of a potential shift to “severe” AQI levels by mid-November have prompted advisories urging residents to reduce outdoor exposure, as the government considers additional emergency measures, including the revival of odd-even road rationing. The enforcement drive underscores Delhi's ongoing struggle to balance economic activity with urgent environmental health priorities, demonstrating that effective execution remains as critical as policy ambition in securing cleaner air.