India’s central government is considering a phased ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR), as part of a broader strategy to combat persistent air pollution, government officials told The Economic Times.
The plan, still under discussion at the highest levels, would gradually phase out new petrol and diesel vehicle registrations in favor of electric, hybrid, and compressed natural gas (CNG) models. “The government is exploring the right timeline for implementing the ban,” the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter. The first phase could begin within the current financial year, ending March 2026.
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Experts anticipate that new bus registrations in Delhi could be limited to electric, hybrid, and CNG vehicles by the end of 2025, followed by restrictions on light commercial and three-wheeled goods vehicles from 2026–2027. Commercial taxis and private vehicles could follow, potentially between 2030 and 2035. The report also suggested that alternative fuels such as flex-fuel may be considered for private vehicles.
The transition is expected to begin in Delhi and later expand to high-density NCR districts like Gurugram, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and Ghaziabad. Goods vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage VI emission norms may be restricted from entering Delhi within a year.
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Delhi is already preparing for a shift to sustainable public transportation. According to Firstpost, the city will retire 90% of its CNG buses by December and replace them with electric models. The Times of India later reported that 5,000 to 7,500 old buses will be phased out, and around 900 new electric buses—including nine- and twelve-meter variants—will be added to the fleet. The national capital aims to fully transition to electric buses by 2027.
Earlier this year, Maharashtra state officials also indicated plans to potentially ban petrol and diesel vehicles in Mumbai, echoing Delhi’s direction as India accelerates efforts to reduce urban air pollution.