The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has postponed the fuel ban on overage vehicles in Delhi and five high-density NCR districts to November 1, 2025, citing technical issues and public concerns. The policy will be implemented simultaneously across all selected regions for consistent enforcement.
Source Image: thehansindia
The CAQM has officially delayed the implementation of its much-debated fuel ban on end-of-life (EOL) vehicles in Delhi and five adjacent NCR districts until November 1, 2025. The postponement comes after extensive deliberations with Delhi’s government and public feedback concerning enforcement readiness and fairness.
The ban targets diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years. Under the original plan, petrol pumps in Delhi were to start refusing fuel to these vehicles beginning July 1, using ANPR cameras linked to the VAHAN database. However, critics raised serious concerns about technical glitches, incomplete camera coverage, and cross-border refueling loopholes.
The CAQM emphasized that enforcement will now coincide across Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Sonipat, with a later rollout in the rest of the NCR from April 1, 2026. The decision was made during the panel’s 24th meeting, after city officials reported faulty ANPR equipment, sensor errors, and a lack of database connectivity across states.
Key Details
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Original start date: July 1, 2025
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New enforcement date: November 1, 2025
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Coverage area: Delhi + 5 high-density NCR districts
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Rest of NCR ban: From April 1, 2026
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Vehicle criteria: Petrol > 15 years; diesel > 10 years
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Enforcement mechanism: ANPR tech & database checks — with impoundment policies for violators
Why the Delay?
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Technological Gaps: ANPR cameras reportedly face issues like poor installation, malfunctioning sensors, and incomplete VAHAN integration.
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Cross-border Fueling: Public backlash highlighted loopholes that could allow vehicles to refuel in neighbouring states.
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Operational Readiness: Enforcement teams require more time for training, trial runs, and infrastructural upgrades.
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Equitable Implementation: Authorities felt a simultaneous rollout would prevent confusion and ensure fair treatment across regions.
Government Reactions
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Delhi CM welcomed the postponement, praising the decision as “balanced and humane,” with plans to engage in long-term solutions.
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Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa termed the delay a “major relief” and voiced support for emissions-based rather than age-based criteria.
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AAP leadership commended the decision, while BJP leaders called for a standardized regional approach and an emissions-first policy.
What’s Next
Fuel pumps across Delhi-NCR are expected to complete ANPR installation and conduct trial runs by October 31. A public awareness campaign and staff training will continue throughout the intervening months. The CAQM has also instructed monthly progress reports from all regions.
Debates are ongoing regarding whether the policy should shift to emissions-based standards and how to introduce affordable scrappage options for compliant owners.
