GRAP 2 In Delhi: What's Allowed What Is Not? Which Cars, Vehicles Are Banned? Check List Before Going To Office

(MENAFN- Live Mint) Delhi-NCR has been placed under Stage II of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) after Delhi's air quality entered the“Very Poor” category, with the air quality index (AQI) touching 324 on November 2. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) brought the measures into force with immediate effect, asking agencies across the region to intensify efforts to curb pollution.

For vehicle owners, it is important to note that the restrictions on older vehicles registered outside Delhi, which came into effect on November 1, are separate from the latest GRAP Stage II measures. The entry restrictions are part of the winter pollution-control measures and continue to apply alongside the GRAP restrictions.

What's not allowed under GRAP Stage II?

The use of diesel generator sets for regular or commercial purposes is restricted, with exemptions for specified emergency and essential services. The burning or use of coal and firewood is also prohibited across Delhi-NCR. Restaurants, hotels and eateries cannot operate tandoors that use coal or firewood as fuel.

Quick answers to key questions

.5 QUESTIONS1Which cars are banned from entering Delhi under the current vehicle restrictions?⌵

Petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are barred from entering the capital until January 31, 2027. Electric and CNG vehicles are exempt from this entry restriction.

2Are Delhi-registered BS-IV petrol and diesel cars banned from Delhi?⌵

No. The entry restriction described applies to non-BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi. Delhi-registered cars remain subject to other applicable rules, including age-related restrictions and valid PUC requirements.

3Can BS-VI, CNG and electric vehicles operate in Delhi during GRAP Stage II?⌵

Yes. BS-VI-compliant, CNG-powered and electric vehicles can continue to operate, subject to applicable traffic and pollution-control rules.

4Can a vehicle without a valid PUC certificate be driven in Delhi?⌵

Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate may face enforcement action, including penalties and possible refusal of fuel at petrol pumps. Keep your certificate valid before travelling.

5Which buses and trucks can enter or travel through Delhi?⌵

Buses entering Delhi under the specified permit categories must run on BS-VI diesel, CNG or electricity; Delhi-registered buses are exempt from this particular entry rule. Trucks passing through Delhi to other destinations must use the peripheral expressways.

Construction and demolition sites, as well as industrial units, that have been specifically directed to shut down cannot resume operations. Vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate may face enforcement action, including penalties and possible refusal of fuel at petrol pumps.

Also Read | Delhi AQI crosses 300: Doctor shares tips to protect your lungs from pollution

Restrictions may also apply to the entry and movement of older or non-compliant interstate commercial and goods vehicles, depending on the applicable emission standards and government notifications.

What's allowed under GRAP Stage II?

Electric vehicles (EVs), CNG-powered vehicles and BS-VI-compliant vehicles can continue to operate, subject to applicable traffic and pollution-control regulations. Vehicles with valid PUC certificates can also ply as per normal traffic rules.

Diesel generator sets may be used for permitted emergency and essential services, including hospitals, healthcare facilities and lifts, in accordance with the applicable exemptions.

Also Read | Stubble-burning fires drop 31% across six states as Delhi braces for winter

Meanwhile, anti-pollution activities such as mechanised road sweeping, regular water sprinkling with dust suppressants and targeted measures at pollution hotspots will continue across Delhi-NCR.

Authorities may also raise parking charges and introduce staggered office timings to discourage private vehicle use and reduce traffic-related emissions.

Which cars and vehicles are banned in Delhi?

The key vehicle restriction currently in force took effect on November 1, ahead of the latest Stage II order. Under this rule, petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards are barred from entering the national capital until January 31, 2027.

Here is what vehicle owners need to know:

The restrictions also require buses entering Delhi under different permit categories, including tourist and contract carriage services, to run on BS-VI diesel, CNG or electricity. Delhi-registered buses are exempt from this particular entry rule. Trucks passing through Delhi to reach other destinations must use the peripheral expressways.

Does this mean Delhi-registered BS-IV petrol and diesel cars are banned?

No, this doesn't mean that Delhi -registered BS-IV petrol and diesel cars are banned. The November 1 restriction specifically targets non-BS-VI petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi. Delhi-registered private cars are not covered by this particular entry ban, although other applicable vehicle rules, including age-related restrictions and valid PUC requirements, continue to apply.

What is BS-VI?

Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards specify the permissible limits for pollutants emitted by new vehicles before they are approved for sale. Vehicle manufacturers must demonstrate compliance through laboratory testing. India transitioned directly from BS-IV to BS-VI norms on April 1, 2020, bypassing the BS-V stage.

Office commuters: What should you check before leaving home?

If you are driving to work in Delhi, keep these points in mind:

1. Check your vehicle's registration state: If your petrol or diesel car is registered outside Delhi and is below BS-VI, it cannot enter the capital under the November 1 restriction.

Also Read | Delhi bars non-BS-VI vehicles from outside as AQI hits 261; 1,539 turned back

2. Check the emission standard: BS-VI vehicles are permitted under the entry rule, while electric and CNG vehicles are exempt.

3. Keep your PUC certificate valid: Carry the relevant vehicle documents and ensure your Pollution Under Control Certificate is valid. Vehicles without a valid PUC may face enforcement action.

4. Consider public transport: CAQM has advised commuters to minimise private vehicle use and opt for public transport.

5. Plan for staggered office timings: Delhi and NCR state governments have been advised to stagger the timings of public offices and municipal bodies in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar. The Centre may also consider staggered timings for its offices.

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