What happened: CAQM’s phased ban on new petrol, diesel and CNG small LGVs
The Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and adjoining areas (CAQM) announced a phased ban on registering new petrol, diesel and CNG light goods vehicles (LGVs) in Delhi and the wider NCR. CAQM’s plan starts with bans for smaller LGVs and signals phased coverage for larger LGVs later.
CAQM categorised LGVs into two weight classes:
• Smaller LGVs (category N1): gross vehicle weight up to 3.5 tonnes • Larger LGVs (category N2): weight above 3.5 tonnes up to 7.5 tonnes
CAQM’s phased registration rules vary by location and fuel/technology permissions:
• Delhi: registration of smaller petrol, diesel and CNG LGVs banned from January 1, 2027. • Specified NCR cities—Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar: registration of smaller petrol, diesel and CNG LGVs banned from July 1, 2027. • In those specified NCR cities, only electric smaller LGVs or mini pick-up trucks will be permitted to operate. • Remaining NCR districts: registration of smaller petrol and diesel LGVs banned from January 1, 2028. • In remaining NCR districts, both electric and CNG smaller LGVs would be allowed.