New Delhi, Nov 16: In response to the escalating pollution crisis, the Delhi government is considering a comprehensive prohibition on passenger buses, excluding those powered by CNG, electricity, and BS-VI diesel, from entering the national capital. Currently, under GRAP Stage IV restrictions, only trucks are restricted from entering the city.
With the upcoming Chhath Puja festival expected to bring increased vehicular activity, sources indicate plans to implement the ban after the festival. Last month, the Delhi government mandated that buses entering the capital from Haryana must operate on electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Similar requirements were extended to buses entering from NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The city government’s transport department has outlined that, effective July 1, all buses entering Delhi from cities or towns in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh must adhere to the specified criteria. The intention is to expand these norms to buses arriving from all states, according to official sources.
Despite stringent measures implemented by the city government, including a construction ban and restrictions on diesel trucks, Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated in recent days. To enforce the restrictions, 40 enforcement teams, including traffic personnel, are deployed in Delhi’s border areas from 8 pm to 4 am. Overall, 100 teams are actively checking overloaded trucks, pollution certificates, interstate buses, and congestion.
