Delhi vehicle owners can breathe a sigh of relief as the government has put on hold its controversial ‘End-of-Life’ (EOL) vehicle policy. The blanket fuel ban targeting cars over 15 years old (petrol) and vehicles over 10 years old (diesel) has been paused following public backlash and implementation challenges.
Table of Contents
Government Backs Down from Blanket Ban
Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed in a letter to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) that it would not be feasible to enforce a blanket fuel ban on older vehicles in the city. The decision comes after recognizing that the necessary Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology for enforcement has not yet been rolled out in Delhi or neighboring areas.
The original policy, set to deny fuel starting July 1, faced strong criticism from citizens concerned about the fate of their older vehicles, with over 60 lakh such vehicles at risk of being impacted.
| Policy Change | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Plan | Fuel ban for 15+ year petrol, 10+ year diesel vehicles |
| New Approach | Target only high-polluting vehicles |
| Affected Vehicles | Over 60 lakh vehicles get temporary relief |
| Implementation | Awaiting ANPR system rollout |
More Balanced Approach Adopted
Instead of the blanket ban, the Delhi government plans to revise the policy to seize only those older vehicles actively causing pollution, while adequately maintained vehicles will be allowed to continue operating. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has requested that the CAQM consider implementing the ANPR-based system in Delhi only after it has been launched in surrounding cities from November 1.
This new direction suggests a more balanced approach — targeting only high-polluting vehicles rather than scrapping all old cars indiscriminately, thereby easing worries for thousands of Delhi residents while keeping pollution control measures in focus.
The revised policy will likely include a system to inform owners about their vehicle’s end-of-life status, allowing for better planning and compliance. This measured approach balances environmental concerns with practical implementation challenges.
For official updates on Delhi’s vehicle policies, visit the Delhi Government’s official website. Stay informed about automotive policy changes at TechnoSports.
FAQs
Will old vehicles in Delhi still need to be scrapped eventually?
Only vehicles actively causing pollution will be targeted, not all old vehicles automatically.
When will the ANPR system be implemented in Delhi?
Implementation is planned after the system launches in surrounding cities from November 1.
