In a significant move to combat rising air pollution in the national capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday unveiled the Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025, laying out a comprehensive road map to tackle the city’s air quality crisis.

The centrepiece of this plan is a bold restriction on commercial vehicles, with only BS6-compliant, CNG-powered, or electric vehicles allowed entry into Delhi starting November 1, 2025. This regulation is part of a wider strategy that includes enhanced infrastructure for electric vehicles, smarter traffic systems, and stricter enforcement against polluting automobiles.

Only BS6, CNG, or EV commercial vehicles allowed from November

Delhi's new air pollution plan will bar the entry of all commercial vehicles that do not meet BS6 norms or run on CNG or electricity. This restriction is set to be enforced from November 1, 2025, affecting a significant number of diesel and petrol-run older commercial vehicles.

The Delhi Transport Department will coordinate with enforcement agencies to monitor entries at city borders, using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to flag non-compliant vehicles.

2299 electric autos and 18000 EV chargers across city

In an effort to support electric mobility, Delhi will soon witness the deployment of 2299 electric autos at major Delhi Metro stations, aimed at offering last-mile connectivity using clean energy.

Simultaneously, 18,000 public and semi-public EV charging stations will be installed across the capital in malls, commercial complexes, transit hubs, residential colonies, and government buildings. These will make it easier for Delhi residents and commercial operators to shift to battery-operated vehicles.

EV-only zones and government fleet transition

Sensitive areas like Delhi’s forest zones, protected ecological spaces, and conservation regions will be converted into EV-only zones, with non-essential non-electric vehicles phased out in stages.

In a show of commitment, 80 percent of Delhi’s government vehicle fleet will be converted to clean fuel in the next few years under the revised EV policy, which also provides updated guidelines for subsidies and infrastructure expansion.

ANPR cameras to catch violators and end-of-life vehicles

To strictly implement the new restrictions, Delhi will use advanced ANPR camera technology to identify End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles at city borders and within high-traffic corridors. These cameras will be able to automatically detect banned vehicles, triggering real-time SMS alerts to vehicle owners and billboard warnings at control points.

ANPR cameras will also be installed at petrol pumps to prevent fuelling of banned or EoL vehicles, ensuring stringent on-ground compliance.

Intelligent traffic system and PUC audits for enforcement

Recognising traffic congestion as a key contributor to emissions, the Delhi government has also announced a smart intelligent traffic system to optimise traffic flow and reduce idling emissions.

Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres will now undergo mandatory audits every six months to ensure accuracy and legitimacy of pollution certificates, closing loopholes that currently allow non-compliant vehicles to operate freely.

Odd-Even scheme ruled out

Addressing public speculation, CM Rekha Gupta confirmed that the government has no plans to revive the Odd-Even vehicle rationing scheme. She called the policy a temporary fix with limited long-term benefits and instead emphasised sustainable, large-scale solutions.

We need solutions that are scalable and sustainable, not temporary fixes, said CM Gupta during the press conference.

Clean air through infrastructure and planning

The Delhi government’s 2025 plan is not just about restricting polluting vehicles. It also focuses on upgrading infrastructure, promoting green urban planning, and incentivising the public and private sector to adopt eco-friendly mobility options.

The administration is expected to work closely with municipal bodies, transport unions, and citizen groups to ensure effective roll-out and compliance with the new plan.

Public feedback and phased implementation

The government has opened channels for public feedback, promising to issue final guidelines in July 2025 before enforcement begins. Key stakeholders from the transport sector, logistics companies, market associations, and resident welfare groups will be consulted in the final leg of implementation.

Aiming for long-term air quality improvement

This ambitious initiative is part of a larger goal to drastically reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels in the capital over the next five years. Experts have welcomed the decision, especially the EV infrastructure boost, calling it a much-needed long-term intervention.

The Air Pollution Mitigation Plan 2025 shows the government’s determination to take strong action, not only on vehicular emissions but also on urban planning and citizen behaviour.

Conclusion: A clean leap forward

With the announcement of this sweeping ban and complementary measures, Delhi is preparing for a transformational leap toward cleaner air. The success of this strategy will hinge on strict enforcement, robust EV infrastructure, and public cooperation.

If implemented as promised, the plan could set a model for other Indian cities grappling with air pollution, showing that systematic change is possible with the right mix of regulation and reform

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