Delhi Bans Polluting Trucks from November 1: CAQM Issues New Order

By Amit Jangra | Published Date : October 23, 2025

Delhi bans old diesel trucks from November 1 under GRAP Stage II, allowing only BS6, CNG, LNG and electric vehicles to curb rising winter pollution.

From November onwards, Delhi is cracking down on some commercial vehicles. Delhi’s shutting the gates on old trucks, mini pickups and other heavy polluters. CAQM says it’s taking this step to help clear the air before winter sets in — that’s when pollution usually shoots up.

Only trucks that meet the latest BS6 rules, or those running on cleaner fuels like CNG, LNG, or electric power, will be allowed through. Any older diesel vehicles that don’t fit the bill will be stopped at the city borders and asked to turn back.

The decision ties into the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) — Delhi’s emergency framework for air pollution. Since the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) recently climbed past 300, landing firmly in the “very poor” zone, Stage 2 of GRAP is now in effect.

Rules for Trucks and Other Vehicles

Table of Contents

1. Rules for Trucks and Other Vehicles

2. Strict Action on Stubble Burning

3. Firecracker Ban and Other Measures

4. What Residents Can Do

5. What Is GRAP?

6. Conclusion

Read More: Tata Motors Delivers Over 1 Lakh Vehicles in Festive Season

As per the CAQM:

• Right now, the rule is that only cleaner-fuel trucks can run — things like BS6 diesel, CNG, LNG, or electric vehicles. Older ones aren’t allowed anymore.
• For now, BS4 trucks that are already registered in Delhi can still operate, but only until October 31, 2026. After that, they’ll have to be replaced or upgraded. It’s basically a temporary extension to help operators adjust..
• Older diesel and petrol vehicles will stay under review due to a recent Supreme Court ruling.

This means that used mini trucks and pickup vans running on older fuel standards will be restricted to control harmful emissions. The Delhi Police has been told to strictly check every entry point into the city.

Strict Action on Stubble Burning

Crop burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh keeps making the air worse. The CAQM says they won’t hesitate to take strict action against officials who turn a blind eye to the issue.

In its 25th meeting, led by CAQM chair Rajesh Verma, the commission went over the winter plans again and stressed the need for tighter monitoring. District teams across the NCR have been told to step up and make sure crop waste is handled the right way — before it turns into smoke.

Firecracker Ban and Other Measures

In line with a recent Supreme Court order, the sale and bursting of even green firecrackers will be allowed only in certain areas and during limited hours on Diwali. From October 14 to 25, air and soil samples will be tested by pollution boards to measure the impact.

What Residents Can Do

The government is also asking citizens to:

• Use public transport more.
• Avoid using old vehicles.
• Maintain vehicles properly, especially air filters.
• Choose less crowded routes when possible.

What Is GRAP?

The Graded Response Action Plan, or GRAP, lays out a series of measures to tackle air pollution across Delhi-NCR. It’s implemented in four escalating stages, depending on how bad the air quality gets.

• Stage I (Poor AQI: 201–300)
• Stage II (Very Poor: 301–400)
• Stage III (Severe: 401–450)
• Stage IV (Severe Plus: 450+)

Right now, Stage II is active, meaning more rules will be enforced to keep pollution under control.

Conclusion

Delhi’s air quality usually dips in winter and it’s already getting worse. The new ban on old diesel trucks, pickups and mini trucks should help clean things up a bit. But whether it really makes a difference will depend on how seriously the rules are enforced — and if people actually cooperate.

Also Read: Piaggio Launches India’s First Battery Finance Plan for Electric 3-Wheelers

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Frequently Asked Questions on Commercial Vehicles

1. What is the latest order issued by CAQM for Delhi?

Ans: CAQM has banned the entry of old diesel trucks and other high-emission vehicles in Delhi from November 1 to reduce winter air pollution.

2. Which vehicles are allowed to operate in Delhi after the ban?

Ans: Only BS6-compliant trucks and vehicles running on cleaner fuels such as CNG, LNG, or electric power are permitted.

3. What happens to BS4 trucks registered in Delhi?

Ans: BS4 trucks registered in Delhi can operate temporarily until October 31, 2026, after which they must be upgraded or replaced.

4. Why has GRAP Stage II been implemented now?

Ans: GRAP Stage II was activated as Delhi’s Air Quality Index crossed 300, entering the “very poor” category, prompting stronger anti-pollution measures.

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