CAQM defers fuel ban for end-of-life vehicles in Delhi-NCR to Nov

Business Standard

08-07-2025

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has decided to extend the timeline for enforcing a key provision of its statutory direction, which mandates denial of fuel and legal action against End-of-Life (EoL) vehicles in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Following its 24th full Commission meeting held on Monday, CAQM announced that enforcement will now begin on November 1, 2025, in Delhi and five high vehicle density districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, and Sonipat. The remainder of the NCR will see implementation from April 1, 2026.
The amendment was driven by the Government of NCT Delhi (GNCTD)'s concerns about the operational readiness of the Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system — a key tool for detecting EoL vehicles at fuel stations. According to a July 3 2025 letter from GNCTD, the system currently suffers from a range of issues, including technological glitches, poor camera placement, and sensor malfunctions.
It was also noted that the system has not been fully integrated with neighbouring NCR states' databases, making it difficult to identify vehicles with incomplete or missing High Security Registration Plates (HSRP).
GNCTD flags legal, operational concerns
GNCTD officials had argued that enforcing a fuel ban solely within Delhi would be counterproductive and legally problematic, especially when the same vehicles remain roadworthy in neighbouring jurisdictions. They cautioned that such selective implementation could drive illegal fuel purchases from adjacent districts, thereby undermining the policy's effectiveness and fostering a black market.
Citing Section 59 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, GNCTD's Chief Secretary warned against defining EoL status based purely on vehicle age, without considering actual emission levels, usage, or mechanical condition.
Unified roll-out across NCR
To address these concerns, CAQM decided to adopt a staggered enforcement strategy. 'All EoL vehicles identified through the ANPR cameras or other such systems installed at the fuel pump stations shall be denied fueling,' the Commission said, adding that the roll-out will occur in two phases — November 2025 for Delhi and key NCR districts, and April 2026 for the rest of the region.
This approach is intended to provide authorities with additional time to strengthen the ANPR system, standardise enforcement protocols across jurisdictions, and ensure all stakeholders — including fuel stations — are adequately prepared.
The Transport Departments of NCR states and GNCTD have been directed to expedite the trial and training for the ANPR system, ensure timely manpower deployment, and report monthly progress to the Commission. They are also required to raise awareness among stakeholders and strictly enforce the revised timelines.
CAQM emphasised that EoL vehicles, once identified, must face appropriate legal action — including impounding — regardless of whether they are caught via ANPR systems, manual checks, or any other mechanism.