No Petrol, Diesel Vehicles For Cab Aggregators In NCR? Haryana's New Rules Explained

In a big decision, the Haryana Cabinet on Monday approved the rules for grant of aggregator licences, under which all vehicles inducted in the fleet of aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities in NCR areas will mandatorily be CNG, electric vehicles (EVs), battery-operated vehicles (BOV) or based on any other cleaner fuel. The move aims to promote clean mobility, reduce vehicular pollution and improve air quality across the NCR region, according to an official statement."Under the amended rules, all vehicles inducted in the fleet of aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities in NCR areas from January 1, 2026 onwards will mandatorily be CNG, Electric Vehicles (EV), Battery Operated Vehicles (BOV) or based on any other cleaner fuel...,"

it said.Only CNG or Electric 3-wheeler auto-rickshaws will be allowed to be additionally inducted into existing fleets in the National Capital Region.The Haryana Cabinet, which met on Monday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, approved the rules for the grant of aggregator licences under the Haryana Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993, in line with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and directions of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).The CAQM had, in June last year, directed that no new petrol or diesel-powered vehicles will be allowed to be added to the fleets of cab aggregators, delivery companies, and e-commerce firms operating in Delhi-NCR from January 1, 2026.The Cabinet also approved the substitution of Rule 86A of the Haryana Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993, to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for app-based passenger aggregators and delivery service providers operating in the state.

What does it mean for aggregators?

The new provisions include:

• Mandatory licensing for aggregators and delivery service providers
• Onboarding norms for drivers and vehicles
• Passenger safety measures
• Grievance redressal mechanisms
• Induction and refresher training programmes
• Insurance coverage for drivers and passengers
• Cybersecurity compliance for apps and regulation of fares

How passengers will benefit

As per the approved rules, aggregators and delivery service providers will be required to ensure minimum insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh for passengers, health insurance of at least Rs 5 lakh for drivers and term insurance of minimum Rs 10 lakh for onboarded drivers.The rules also mandate installation of vehicle location tracking devices, panic buttons, first-aid kits and fire extinguishers in applicable vehicles. Aggregators will also be required to:

• Establish 24x7 control rooms and call centres for passenger assistance and grievance redressal
• Provide for digital authentication of vehicle and driver details through the VAHAN and SARATHI portals
• Maintain detailed digital records of onboarded drivers and vehicles

The Cabinet was informed that the registration and licensing process for aggregators, delivery service providers, and e-commerce entities will be carried out through the designated portal, cleanmobility.haryanatransport.gov.in.The new framework also includes provisions regarding driver welfare, fare sharing, safety standards, inclusion of 'Divyangjan'-friendly vehicles and gradual transition towards electric mobility.

100% tax exemption on EVs next?

Meanwhile, ahead of the cabinet meeting, Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij said that a proposal has been sent to the government to provide 100 per cent tax exemption on electric vehicles in Haryana."The proposal has been sent to provide 100 per cent tax exemption on electric vehicles in Haryana on the lines of Chandigarh and Delhi, with the objective of encouraging people to purchase electric vehicles," Vij told reporters here.Currently, Haryana offers a 20 per cent concession on EV registration fees.He said if tax relief is provided on EVs, public inclination towards electric vehicles will increase rapidly.Vij also said the state government is going to purchase 500 electric buses.(With agency inputs)