Haryana to phase out petrol and diesel cabs for aggregators: What it means for AQI NCR after PM Modi pushes for austerity measures | Today’s news
The Haryana cabinet on Monday approved new licensing rules for aggregators mandating that all vehicles added to the fleets of cab aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce companies in the region be powered by CNG, electric, batteries or other cleaner fuels.
The rules also state that only CNG and electric three-wheeler auto-rickshaws can be added to the existing fleets in the region.
In a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday, the Haryana government approved rules for licensing of aggregators under the Haryana Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993, aligning the framework with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the guidelines of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
According to PTI, it said, “Under the amended rules, all vehicles in the fleet of aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities in NCR areas will be compulsorily CNG, Electric Vehicles (EVs), Battery Powered Vehicles (BOVs) or any other cleaner fuel from January 1, 2026….”
What does this mean for AQI NCR?
In June last year, the CAQM ordered that from January 1, 2026, cab aggregators, delivery firms and e-commerce companies operating in the region will no longer be able to add new petrol or diesel vehicles to their fleets.
According to an official statement, the move is aimed at accelerating clean mobility, reducing vehicle emissions and improving air quality in the region.
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It comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a national austerity drive to combat rising oil prices and foreign exchange outflows caused by conflict in West Asia. The government is urging citizens to save on fuel, avoid non-essential gold purchases for a year and forgo foreign holidays and destination weddings.
The Haryana cabinet’s move is expected to reduce the rise in daily fuel consumption unless more petrol or diesel vehicles are added to the fleet, as Prime Minister Modi says will boost India’s self-sufficiency.
Haryana new cabinet move
The new rules require aggregators and delivery service providers to obtain licenses and set requirements for driver and vehicle boarding, passenger safety, complaint handling, training programs, insurance, application cybersecurity and fare regulation.
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According to the framework, operators must ensure min ₹5 lakh in passenger insurance cover, medical insurance not less than ₹5 lakh for the driver and the minimum period of insurance ₹10 million for everyone on board the driver.
Relevant vehicles will need to be equipped with vehicle tracking devices, panic buttons, first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Aggregators must also set up 24/7 dispatch and call centers to assist passengers and address complaints.
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To improve transparency and accountability, vehicle and driver details will be digitally verified through VAHAN and SARATHI portals. Companies will also reportedly have to keep comprehensive digital records of all drivers and vehicles on board.
The cabinet was told that aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce companies will complete their registration and licensing through a dedicated portal cleanmobility.haryanatransport.gov.in.
The framework also includes provisions regarding driver welfare, fare-sharing arrangements, safety standards, inclusion of Divyangjan-accessible vehicles and a gradual transition to electric mobility.
Separately, ahead of the meeting, Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij mentioned that a proposal for 100% tax exemption for electric vehicles in Haryana has been submitted to the government.
“A proposal has been sent to provide 100% tax exemption for electric vehicles in Haryana on Chandigarh and Delhi routes, with an aim to encourage people to buy electric vehicles,” PTI quoted Vij as saying.
Currently, Haryana provides 20% concession on registration fees for electric cars. Vij said that providing a tax credit for EVs would greatly boost public acceptance of electric vehicles.
He also said that the state government plans to procure 500 electric buses.
