GRAP 2 in Delhi: What is allowed; what isn’t Which cars, vehicles are prohibited? Checklist before leaving the office | Today’s news
Delhi-NCR was included in II. stages of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after Delhi’s air quality entered the ‘Very Poor’ category, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) touching 324 on November 2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) put measures in place with immediate effect and asked agencies across the region to step up efforts to curb pollution.
For vehicle owners, it is important to note that the restrictions on older vehicles registered outside Delhi, which came into effect on November 1, are separate from the latest GRAP II measures. Entry restrictions are part of winter pollution control measures and continue to apply alongside GRAP restrictions.
What is not allowed in GRAP Stage II?
The use of diesel generator sets for general or commercial purposes is restricted, with exceptions for specific emergency and essential services. Burning or use of coal and firewood is also prohibited in Delhi-NCR. Restaurants, hotels and restaurants cannot operate tandoors that use coal or firewood as fuel.
Quick answers to key questions
•5 QUESTIONS
Petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission norms are banned from entering the capital until January 31, 2027. Electric and CNG vehicles are exempt from this entry restriction.
No. The entry restriction described applies to non-BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi. Vehicles registered in Delhi continue to be subject to other applicable rules, including age restrictions and applicable PUC requirements.
Yes. CNG vehicles and BS-VI compliant electric vehicles can continue to run in compliance with applicable traffic and pollution control rules.
Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate may face enforcement action, including fines and possible fuel refusal at service stations. Keep a valid certificate before you travel.
Buses entering Delhi under specified permit categories must run on BS-VI diesel, CNG or electricity; Buses registered in Delhi are exempted from this particular entry rule. Trucks passing through Delhi to other destinations have to use marginal expressways.
Construction and demolition sites, as well as industrial units that have been specifically ordered to shut down, cannot resume operations. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate may face enforcement action, including fines and possible fuel refusal at service stations.
Read also | Delhi AQI crosses 300: Doctor shares tips to protect your lungs from pollution
Restrictions may also apply to the entry and movement of older or non-compliant interstate commercial vehicles and trucks depending on applicable emission standards and government notices.
What is allowed under GRAP Stage II?
Electric vehicles (EVs), CNG vehicles and BS-VI compliant vehicles can continue to operate in compliance with applicable traffic and pollution control regulations. Vehicles with valid PUC certificates can also drive according to normal road traffic rules.
Diesel generator sets may be used for permitted emergency and essential services, including hospitals, medical facilities and elevators, subject to applicable exemptions.
Read also | Stubble fires down 31% in six states as Delhi braces for winter
Meanwhile, anti-pollution activities such as mechanized road sweeping, regular water sprinkling with dust suppressants and targeted action on pollution hotspots will continue in Delhi-NCR.
Authorities can also increase parking charges and introduce staggered office timings to discourage private vehicle use and reduce transport-related emissions.
Which cars and vehicles are banned in Delhi?
The current key vehicle restriction went into effect on November 1, before the last Stage II order. Under the rule, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission norms are banned from entering the national capital till January 31, 2027.
Here’s what vehicle owners need to know:
Vehicle Category Current LocationOutside Delhi Petrol Cars Under BS-VIV Drive ProhibitedOutside Delhi Diesel Cars Under BS-VIV Drive ProhibitedOutside Delhi BS-VI Petrol/Diesel Cars AllowedOutside Delhi Electric Vehicles AllowedOutside Delhi Commercial Vehicles CNGAllowedOutside BS-Entry Prohibited Delhi
The restrictions also require buses entering Delhi with various permit categories, including tourist and contract transport services, to run on BS-VI diesel, CNG or electricity. Buses registered in Delhi are exempted from this particular entry rule. Trucks passing through Delhi to reach other destinations have to use peripheral expressways.
Does this mean BS-IV petrol and diesel cars registered in Delhi are banned?
No, it does not mean that BS-IV petrol and diesel cars registered in Delhi are banned. The November 1 restriction specifically targets non-BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi. Private cars registered in Delhi are not subject to this particular entry ban, although other applicable vehicle rules continue to apply, including age restrictions and applicable PUC requirements.
What is BS-VI?
Bharat Stage (BS) emission norms specify permissible limits for pollutants emitted by new vehicles before they are approved for sale. Vehicle manufacturers must demonstrate compliance through laboratory testing. India went directly from BS-IV to BS-VI standards on April 1, 2020, bypassing the BS-V phase.
Office commuters: What should you check before you leave home?
If you are going to work in Delhi, keep these points in mind:
1. Check the vehicle registration status: If your petrol or diesel car is registered outside Delhi and is under BS-VI, it cannot enter the capital under the November 1 restrictions.
Read also | Delhi blocks non-BS-VI vehicles from outside as AQI reaches 261; 1,539 turned back
2. Check the emission standard: BS-VI vehicles are allowed under the entry rule, while electric and CNG vehicles are exempted.
3. Keep your PUC certificate valid: Carry the relevant vehicle documents with you and ensure that your Pollution Control Certificate is valid. Vehicles without a valid PUC may face enforcement action.
4. Consider public transport: CAQM advised commuters to minimize the use of private vehicles and opt for public transport.
5. Schedule for Staggered Office Timing: The state governments of Delhi and NCR have been advised to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. A center may also consider timing arrangements for its offices.
