New Delhi, Oct 26: Vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet Bharat Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms will be prohibited from entering the capital from November 1, 2026, under the Delhi government's Winter Action Plan, with the restriction set to remain in force until January 31, 2027, Jagran Josh reported. The curb targets vehicular emissions during the winter months, when Delhi's air quality routinely deteriorates.

Source: Jagran Josh

The scale of the impact runs across the National Capital Region. Transport department reviews reported by The Times of India indicate that nearly two lakh vehicles in Gurugram and Faridabad fall below BS-VI standards — around 70 per cent of them BS-III or BS-IV — including roughly 50,000 commercial vehicles in the two Haryana districts. Noida and Greater Noida together have over four lakh vehicles below the norms, more than half of them BS-IV and mostly petrol cars, while a senior official cited in reporting put Ghaziabad's figure at approximately four lakh, taking the NCR total past 10 lakh (yaani one million) vehicles.

Source: Jagran Josh / The Indian Witness

Nov 1, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027Period for which the entry restriction will run
Over 10 lakhVehicles below BS-VI norms across five NCR cities, per transport department estimates
Around 500Fuel stations to run plate-recognition checks under the No PUC, No Fuel rule

Who is exempt

Vehicles that comply with BS-VI norms will be allowed under the rule. Electric and CNG vehicles are exempt, as are ambulances, fire tenders and specified essential-service vehicles. Vehicles registered in Delhi are outside the ambit of this entry restriction, although other applicable vehicle rules continue to apply to them.

Source: Jagran Josh

No PUC, No Fuel, and stricter border checks

Alongside the entry ban, the 'No Pollution Under Control (PUC), No Fuel' rule also takes effect on November 1: fuel stations will be required to deny fuel to vehicles without a valid PUC certificate, with number-plate recognition systems operational at around 500 fuel stations across the capital. Enforcement at Delhi's entry points is being strengthened with AI-powered Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and physical inspections on border routes. Driving without a valid PUC certificate carries a fine of Rs 10,000, and penalties for breaching the entry rules for non-BS-VI commercial and goods vehicles can cross Rs 20,000 at border checkpoints, Jagran Josh reported.

Source: Jagran Josh

The Winter Action Plan was announced by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on October 20. Unlike last winter, when a similar curb on non-BS-VI vehicles from outside began on December 18, 2025 after the Graded Response Action Plan reached its highest stage, this year's ban runs on fixed dates announced in advance, NewsPlainly reported. Daily commuters from NCR cities have been advised to check their vehicle's registration and emission category before November 1 and, if their vehicle is covered, to plan on alternatives such as the Metro or buses.

Source: NewsPlainly