The Delhi government has suggested an outright ban on petrol, diesel and CNG two-wheelers in the capital from August 15, 2026, in an effort to address the problem of air pollution. The government also hopes to achieve 95 per cent of new registrations being electric by 2027. The policy is expected to be announced by the Delhi government soon.
The key provisions are
- Ban on Petrol, Diesel, and CNG Two-Wheelers: An outright ban on fossil-fuel-powered two-wheelers from August 15, 2026. This will stem emissions from private vehicles, which contribute a lion's share of air pollution in Delhi.
- Phasing Out CNG Auto-Rickshaws: No new registrations of CNG auto-rickshaws will be allowed from August 15, 2025, and existing permits will not be renewed. This will encourage the use of electric or hybrid auto-rickshaws to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
- Electric Public Transport: Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) will only buy electric buses for intra-city travel and BS VI-compliant buses for inter-state travel. This will significantly reduce the public transport emissions, thereby making public transport more environmental-friendly.
- Private Car Owners: If a person already owns two vehicles, any subsequent purchase should be an electric vehicle. This provision will make private car owners choose electric vehicles, thus reducing emissions and promoting green mobility.
Effect on vehicle owners and the environment
The policy will reduce air pollution in Delhi by promoting electric mobility. If implemented, it will impact:
- Two-Wheeler Owners: Petrol, diesel, or CNG two-wheeler owners would have to balance other options such as electric or hybrid vehicles or public transport or cycling.
- Car Owners: Two-car owners already would have to switch to electric vehicles at the next buyback, which could mean huge expenditure on electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.
- Environment: The policy will help minimize air pollution, a serious issue in Delhi, particularly in winters. Encouraging electric mobility, the policy can reduce emissions, enhance air quality, and make the environment healthier for citizens.
Implementation and future plans
This is likely to be released shortly, and the version can undergo modifications even prior to it turning into a cabinet decision. The Delhi government has, meanwhile, extended the current EV policy for 15 days since the policy had lapsed on March 31 [1]. The government has also mapped out:
- Upgrading EV Infrastructure: Development of more charging stations and infrastructure to support the adoption of electric vehicles.
- Promote Electric Mobility: Inspire individuals to opt for electric vehicles by offering incentives, offering subsidies, and conducting awareness campaigns.
- Follow-Up: Monitor the progress of the policy and make changes accordingly to observe how well it is managing air pollution.
Strengths of the Policy
The policy has several strengths that are as follows:
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Reduced Emissions: By promoting electric mobility, the policy can save emissions, improve the air, and give citizens a healthier environment.
- Improved Air Quality: The policy will be in a position to reduce air pollution, which is a major problem in Delhi, especially during winter.
- Increased Adoption Rate of Electric Vehicles: The policy will be in a position to promote the take-up of electric vehicles, which have the potential to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and create a greener transport system.
Challenges and Opportunities
The policy also presents a number of challenges and opportunities, including:
- Infrastructure Development: The policy requires heavy investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, including charging stations and service garages.
- Public Education: The policy requires public information campaigns to educate citizens on the benefits of electric mobility and the need for reducing air pollution.
- Technology Innovation: The policy is able to spur technology innovation in electric vehicle technology, which has the potential to improve the efficiency, range, and cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles.
