Delhi may gradually ban BS4 vehicles within five years

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has proposed a long-term roadmap to gradually phase out BS4 and BS6 vehicles in Delhi-NCR as part of a broader push toward cleaner mobility. The draft proposal focuses on discouraging new petrol and diesel vehicle purchases, restricting ICE vehicles, accelerating adoption of clean alternatives, and strengthening emission monitoring. An expert panel led by IIT Madras professor Ashok Jhunjhunwala has recommended phasing out BS4 vehicles over the next five years, followed by the complete withdrawal of BS6 two-wheelers by 2035 and BS6 cars by 2040 from Delhi roads. The plan also proposes seasonal restrictions. Use of BS4 vehicles may be limited during peak AQI periods starting later this year, with similar restrictions for BS6 vehicles beginning in 2035. The draft further calls for fixed timelines to shift toward Zero Tailpipe Emission (ZTE) vehicles. Under the proposal: All new two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and taxis registered after April 2027 should be ZTE All light goods vehicles (pickup vans, mini-trucks) registered from April 2028 should be ZTE From April 2030 onward, all newly registered cars in Delhi-NCR should be electric vehicles If implemented, the roadmap would mark one of India’s most aggressive transitions toward full electrification of urban transport.