Residents of Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and Faridabad travelling to Delhi will have to check their vehicles' emission standards before setting out, as
the capital's revised winter pollution restrictions also cover vehicles registered in neighbouring NCR cities. From November 1, 2026, vehicles registered outside Delhi that meet BS-IV or older emission standards will not be allowed to ply in the national capital until January 31, 2027. The restrictions have been introduced under the revised Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle air pollution during the winter months. According to the Delhi Traffic Police, only vehicles meeting BS-VI emission standards, along with CNG and electric vehicles, will be permitted to operate in Delhi, subject to applicable rules and exemptions. This means that owning or driving a vehicle in Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad or Faridabad does not automatically make it eligible to enter Delhi. Commuters from these cities using vehicles below the BS-VI standard will have to make alternative travel arrangements if they need to enter the capital.
Which Vehicles Are Allowed To Enter Delhi?
Under the revised restrictions, BS-VI-compliant petrol and diesel vehicles, CNG vehicles and electric vehicles can operate in Delhi, provided they meet other applicable requirements. Vehicles exempted under the rules, including ambulances, fire tenders and police vehicles, will also be allowed.A valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) is another important requirement. Vehicles without a valid PUCC may face restrictions, even if they otherwise meet the prescribed emission standards.
The traffic police advisory also lists restrictions on non-compliant interstate buses, trucks not destined for Delhi, and tractors and jugaad vehicles, as applicable. Trucks passing through Delhi without the city as their destination are expected to use peripheral expressways.
Certain categories of vehicles registered outside Delhi, including commercial goods vehicles and two-wheelers, have been mentioned as exemptions in the advisory. Commuters should check the specific rules applicable to their vehicle before travelling.
Will Vehicles From Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad And Faridabad Be Affected?
Yes. The restrictions are not limited to vehicles registered in Delhi. They also apply to vehicles coming from neighbouring NCR cities if they fall below the BS-VI emission standard and are not covered by an exemption.
According to Transport Department estimates cited by news agency PTI, more than 10 lakh vehicles across Gurugram, Faridabad, Noida, Greater Noida and Ghaziabad could be affected by the restrictions.
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) had also raised objections to the proposed restrictions on vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards.
What Options Do Commuters Have If Their Vehicles Do Not Meet BS-VI Standards?
Those travelling from Noida, Gurugram and other NCR cities in vehicles that are not permitted to enter Delhi will have to consider public transport or switch to an eligible vehicle. Taking another route into the capital does not provide a legal exemption from the restrictions.
1. Take the Delhi Metro
Commuters from Noida can park their vehicles at locations where parking is available and continue their journey by Metro. Botanical Garden and Noida Electronic City are among the stations they can consider.
Those travelling from Gurugram can use stations on the Gurugram-Delhi Metro network, including Millennium City Centre, to connect to the wider Metro system.
2. Use the Namo Bharat train
Passengers travelling from Meerut, Modinagar and parts of Ghaziabad can consider the Namo Bharat network as an alternative for reaching Delhi.
3. Switch to a compliant vehicle
People who need to drive into Delhi can use a vehicle that meets the BS-VI emission standard. CNG and electric vehicles are also permitted under the revised measures, subject to the applicable requirements.
