Delhi Government Considers Extending Bus Entry Ban to Combat Pollution

In response to the worsening pollution crisis in Delhi, the city government is contemplating a comprehensive prohibition on all passenger buses entering the national capital, excluding those powered by CNG, electricity, and BS-VI diesel.

Currently operating under GRAP Stage IV restrictions, Delhi has already restricted the entry of trucks into the city. However, authorities are now considering expanding these measures to include buses, particularly ahead of the upcoming Chhath Puja festivities.

A government source revealed plans to implement the ban post the festival due to the substantial influx of vehicles associated with Chhath Puja. Last month, the Delhi government mandated that buses entering the capital from Haryana must run on electricity, CNG, or BS-VI diesel. Similar norms are expected to be extended to buses entering from NCR regions of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The city’s transport department specified that starting July 1, buses from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh must adhere to these guidelines. There are also discussions about implementing these norms for buses entering Delhi from all states.

Despite stringent measures, including a ban on construction and diesel trucks, Delhi’s air quality has continued to decline. To enforce restrictions, forty enforcement teams, including traffic units, are stationed in border areas from 8 pm to 4 am. An additional hundred teams are actively engaged to monitor overloaded trucks, pollution certificates, interstate buses, and congestion.