Pic Credits: AIR News & MoEFCC
New Delhi – In a critical move aimed at controlling vehicular pollution, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has extended the timeline for enforcing its landmark direction to deny fuelling to End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR. The decision was taken in the 24th meeting of the Commission, chaired by senior officials of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
What Are End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR?
End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR refer to automobiles that have surpassed their legally permissible registration period: 15 years for petrol vehicles and 10 years for diesel vehicles. These vehicles are deemed unfit for use due to their high emissions and deteriorating safety standards.
The Commission has earlier issued directions to prohibit such vehicles from being fueled at petrol pumps in a phased manner across Delhi NCR. This is part of a broader agenda to improve ambient air quality, particularly in the highly polluted regions of Delhi and its adjoining districts.
New Timeline Announced for Fuel Ban Enforcement
Phased Implementation of Fueling Ban for End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR
According to the latest decision:
Phase 1:
The fueling ban on End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR will take effect from 1st November 2025 in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and five adjoining High Vehicle Density Districts.
Phase 2:
The remaining parts of the National Capital Region will see the ban enforced from 1st April 2026.
The extension was granted after reviewing the readiness of petrol pump operators and the availability of technology for real time vehicle verification.
CAQM’s Reasoning Behind the Extension
Bridging Technological Gaps Before Full Enforcement
The Commission for Air Quality Management noted that certain technological gaps need to be addressed before the enforcement can be uniformly implemented. This includes:
- Integrating vehicle registration databases with fuel dispensing units.
- Ensuring real time access to vehicle age verification data at all fueling stations.
- Conducting training sessions for fuel station operators to identify End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR.
A senior official from CAQM mentioned, “While the direction remains intact, we are mindful of the on ground technical limitations and want the enforcement to be smooth and effective.”
Environmental Impact of End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR
Pollution Contribution from Ageing Vehicles
Numerous studies have highlighted that End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR are responsible for a disproportionate share of vehicular pollution. According to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):
- Vehicles beyond their lifecycle emit up to 10 times more pollutants than newer models.
- Delhi NCR has over 10 lakh registered End of Life Vehicles, many of which are still operating illegally.
- The CAQM believes that denying fuel to such vehicles will significantly cut down PM2.5 and PM10 emissions, contributing to better air quality, especially during the winter smog season.
Challenges in Implementation
Ground Level Readiness and Technological Constraints
While the policy aims are commendable, implementation poses several challenges:
- Many fuel stations in rural NCR areas lack digital verification tools.
- Connectivity issues in remote areas could hamper access to real time data.
- There’s also a risk of manual errors or corruption, allowing unfit vehicles to be refueled despite restrictions.
To mitigate this, CAQM is working closely with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and various State Transport Departments to develop a robust verification protocol.
Reaction from Stakeholders
The policy has received mixed reactions:
Environmental groups have lauded the move as a “long overdue” intervention for sustainable urban planning.
However, vehicle owners and transport unions have raised concerns over the lack of clarity and support in scrapping old vehicles.
A spokesperson from the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association said, “We support clean air, but fuel station operators should not be burdened with enforcement duties without proper infrastructure.”
CAQM’s Previous Actions on Air Quality
This isn’t the first time CAQM has introduced policy level interventions. Past initiatives include:
- Banning diesel generator sets in winter.
- Implementing Graded Response Action Plans (GRAP) during severe pollution episodes.
- Promoting CNG and EV usage in commercial fleets.
With the new directive to deny fuel to End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR, CAQM continues to tighten regulations aimed at pollution hotspot.
What Vehicle Owners Need to Do
If you own an old vehicle in Delhi NCR, here’s what you should do:
- Check your vehicle’s registration date on the Parivahan portal.
- If your vehicle qualifies as an End-of-Life Vehicle in Delhi NCR, consider voluntary scrapping through a government authorized scrappage center.
- Apply for deregistration and get a certificate of scrapping, which may make you eligible for government incentives on new vehicle purchases.
Step Towards Greener NCR
This ban is aligned with India’s broader climate action goals, including:
- Achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- Reducing vehicular pollution by 30% by 2030.
- The phased enforcement of the fuel ban on End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR is seen as a strong move to meet these national commitments.
Summary
The Commission for Air Quality Management’s decision to extend the timeline for denying fuel to End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR strikes a balance between urgency and practicality. While the environmental imperative is undeniable, the commission’s phased approach allows critical technological and infrastructural gaps to be addressed.
As the 1st November 2025 deadline approaches for Delhi and five adjoining districts, all eyes will be on the effectiveness of this enforcement, which could set a precedent for other pollution hit regions across India.
FAQs
What are End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR?
End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR are vehicles that have crossed the permissible age 15 years for petrol and 10 years for diesel and are no longer allowed to operate or be refueled under new air quality regulations.
When will the fuel ban on End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR be enforced?
The ban will begin on November 1, 2025 in Delhi and five adjacent districts, and from April 1, 2026 in the rest of the NCR region.
Why has CAQM extended the deadline for the fuel ban?
To ensure smooth enforcement by addressing digital verification challenges, training fuel station operators, and integrating vehicle databases with real time fuel dispensing systems.
How can I check if my vehicle is classified as an End of Life Vehicle in Delhi NCR?
Visit the Parivahan Portal and enter your vehicle registration number to check its validity and age.
What should I do if my vehicle falls under the End-of-Life category in Delhi NCR?
Deregister your vehicle, take it to a certified scrappage center, and collect a scrap certificate to become eligible for any benefits under the new vehicle policy.
Will petrol pumps be penalized for fueling End of Life Vehicles in Delhi NCR?
Yes. Fueling such vehicles after the ban enforcement will attract penalties as per CAQM’s environmental compliance rules.
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