CAQM Bans Petrol and Diesel Vehicles in Delhi-NCR by 2026

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced a significant ban on petrol and diesel vehicles in commercial fleets across the Delhi-NCR region, set to take effect on January 1, 2026. This decision aims to address the alarmingly high levels of air pollution, as the region’s Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently remains above 400, categorizing the air quality as ‘Severe’ and posing serious health risks to the public.

New Regulations for Delivery Fleets
Under the new directive, cab aggregators, e-commerce firms, and delivery companies will be required to transition their fleets to either compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric vehicles. This shift is particularly crucial for commercial vehicles, which are recognized as a major contributor to the region’s pollution levels due to their extensive daily operation. The CAQM has clarified that the ban applies specifically to the induction of new petrol or diesel vehicles into these commercial fleets.

The Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) has engaged in discussions with leading e-commerce representatives, emphasizing that the January 2026 deadline is final and non-negotiable. This directive will directly impact numerous delivery partners and major companies that rely on last-mile delivery services in the region.

Major Companies Affected
Companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Amazon, and Flipkart will need to accelerate their fleet transformations to comply with the new regulations. The permitted vehicles for delivery operations will include CNG bikes and scooters, electric two-wheelers, CNG and electric three-wheelers, as well as small electric commercial vehicles.

Enhanced Graded Response Action Plan

In conjunction with the vehicle ban, the CAQM has introduced a more rigorous implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The organization will now enforce stricter measures at lower AQI thresholds based on scientific data and previous experiences. For instance, regulations previously applicable under GRAP-2 will now be enforced under the more stringent GRAP-1.

One notable change is the adjustment of the work-from-home directive for government, private, and municipal offices. This directive will now activate when the AQI reaches between 401 and 450, a significant decrease from the previous threshold of 450+. This adjustment reflects a growing urgency to address hazardous air quality and is likely to influence the central government’s policies for its employees as well.

As the region grapples with persistent air quality challenges, these measures signify a strong commitment to improving public health and promoting cleaner, sustainable transportation solutions. The CAQM’s decision underscores the need for immediate action in response to the ongoing environmental crisis in the Delhi-NCR area.