Add only CNG, EVs in new cab fleet: CAQM

The new directive bans the addition of new petrol and diesel vehicles into service fleets, covering all two-wheelers, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and light goods vehicles (LGVs) in the N1 category.

Only CNG and electric vehicles will be allowed in new fleets of cab aggregators, delivery services, and e-commerce operators in Delhi-NCR starting January 1, 2026, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) announced on Wednesday. The move is part of a broader crackdown on polluting vehicles to reduce emissions in the region.

CAQM said vehicular emissions remain one of the primary sources of air pollution in NCR cities. (Shutterstock)

The new directive bans the addition of new petrol and diesel vehicles into service fleets, covering all two-wheelers, light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and light goods vehicles (LGVs) in the N1 category (weighing up to 3.5 tonnes).

Existing vehicles in operation, however, will be allowed to continue.

In direction number 94, issued on June 4, the CAQM said vehicular emissions remain one of the primary sources of air pollution in NCR cities. The policy targets areas with heavy vehicle use and intercity travel, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad. It also called on Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan to create region-wide policies for logistics and mobility platforms.

In a separate order — direction number 93 — the CAQM also mandated that from November 1, 2026, all buses entering Delhi under various permits, including All India Tourist Permits, must operate on cleaner fuels or electric alternatives. This rule will not apply to buses registered in Delhi.