Delhi has enforced a strict ban on refuelling diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from July 1, 2025, as part of an aggressive campaign to curb vehicular pollution. The move, initiated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), is being implemented at 350 petrol stations citywide with the help of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and real-time monitoring by enforcement teams.
Owners of End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles found at fuel stations or parked in public areas now face immediate impoundment, fines up to ₹10,000 for four-wheelers and ₹5,000 for two-wheelers, and possible scrapping. The crackdown is part of a phased rollout that will soon extend to the wider NCR region.
Tech-Powered Enforcement and On-the-Spot Seizure
Petrol pumps across Delhi now display prominent notices: “Fuel will not be dispensed to end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) – 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles from July 1, 2025.” Over 500 petrol stations have been equipped with ANPR cameras linked to the VAHAN database, instantly flagging non-compliant vehicles.
If a flagged vehicle attempts refuelling, staff are notified to deny service and enforcement teams are dispatched for immediate action, which may include impoundment and fines. Approximately 100 enforcement teams, including traffic police, transport department, and MCD officials, are deployed across the city. During trial runs, several stations were found non-compliant, prompting additional police deployment to ensure smooth implementation and prevent disputes.
Background: A Citywide Push for Cleaner Air
The directive is legally reinforced by Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal rulings and targets the estimated 62 lakh EOL vehicles in Delhi, including 41 lakh two-wheelers. The CAQM’s plan extends to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Sonipat from November 2025, and to the remaining NCR districts by April 2026.
ANPR cameras will also be installed at Delhi’s 156 vehicle entry points to intercept older commercial vehicles. Owners of affected vehicles can either obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to transfer out of Delhi, retrofit with approved electric kits, or scrap their vehicles at licensed centres, with some incentives available. Notably, the rule applies regardless of a vehicle’s condition or emission test results; CNG vehicles are currently exempt but may be included in the future.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Delhi’s bold, tech-driven crackdown on ageing, polluting vehicles is a vital step towards cleaner air and a healthier city. While the policy may inconvenience some, it is a necessary sacrifice for the greater good—reducing pollution, improving public health, and setting a precedent for sustainable urban living.
The Logical Indian urges all stakeholders to cooperate and support this initiative, and calls for similar action nationwide.
