08 Jun 2025
Only Electric or CNG Vehicles Allowed for New Fleet Additions
Starting January 1, 2026, companies operating commercial fleets in Delhi-NCR will not be allowed to add new petrol or diesel vehicles. This rule will apply to cab services, delivery companies, and e-commerce platforms. As per the latest order from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), only electric or CNG-powered vehicles can be added to their fleet after this date.
Why the Ban on Petrol and Diesel Commercial Vehicles?
According to CAQM, the transport sector is one of the main causes of air pollution in the region. Commercial vehicles, such as 3-wheelers, tempo travellers, cabs, and delivery vans, stay on the road for longer hours and often do not receive proper maintenance. As a result, they release more harmful gases than private vehicles.
To reduce this pollution, the CAQM aims to ensure that all new commercial vehicles in the region are clean and environmentally friendly. Hence, only zero-emission electric vehicles or cleaner CNG vehicles will be allowed to join commercial fleets from 2026 onwards.
Delhi’s Step Towards Cleaner Air
The Delhi government had already taken steps in this direction with the launch of the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme in 2023. This scheme focuses on companies with 25 or more vehicles, including those working through online platforms. These companies must register their fleets on a government portal for tracking and regulation.
Neighbouring States Also Encouraged to Follow
In addition, CAQM has requested neighbouring states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to bring in similar rules. The commission especially mentioned urban areas such as Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, where the number of vehicles is very high.
Boost for Electric Car Manufacturing in India
Meanwhile, the Government of India has launched detailed guidelines under the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India. As part of this scheme, companies can import up to 8,000 electric cars per year at a low import duty of 15%. Normally, the import tax ranges between 70% and 100%.
However, this benefit will only be given if the company agrees to invest ₹4,150 crore in building local factories. Though the scheme was announced last year in March, the Heavy Industries Ministry has now issued clear steps for companies to apply.
With all these moves, both at the regional and national levels, India is pushing strongly toward cleaner and greener mobility.
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