Delhi-Gurugram border clogged as Capital's BS-VI curbs take effect

Restrictions on the entry of some vehicles at the Delhi-Gurugram Sarhaul Border led to traffic congestion on the main carriageway as well as the service lane.

Massive traffic snarls stretching for up to 5 kms from Sarhaul toll plaza were seen on National Highway-48 on Sunday morning as the Delhi government's ban on the entry of vehicles below the BS-VI emission standard took effect. The curbs only apply to vehicles not registered in Delhi.

Gurugram traffic police have restricted the entry of certain vehicles at the Delhi-Gurugram Sarhaul Border. (Photo by Parveen Kumar/Hindustan Times)

The congestion caused by the border checks affected the flyover coming from Shankar Chowk, the main carriageway and the service lane on NH-48.

According to the Gurugram traffic police, team of around 50 personnel, including traffic police and Haryana Police personnel, was deployed at the site to check vehicles.

Ban on non-Delhi below BS-VI vehicles

The Delhi government has imposed a ban on the entry of all non-Delhi diesel and petrol vehicles below the BS-VI emission standard from November 1 to January 31 next year. The restrictions apply to petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards, including BS-III and BS-IV vehicles, in Gurugram.

However, according to Gurugram traffic police personnel deployed on the ground, even Delhi-registered petrol and diesel vehicles below the BS-VI emission standard were not being allowed to enter the national capital.

Checks were intensified on Delhi-Gurugram Sarhaul Border as the Capital's BS-VI restrictions took effect on Sunday.

The blanket ban imposed by the Delhi government covers light, medium and heavy goods vehicles. CNG and electric vehicles, as well as those complying with BS-VI emission standards, have been exempted.

The move is aimed at curbing winter air pollution and improving air quality in the city.

Commuters stuck in traffic for hours

The snarls on the Gurugram-Delhi triggered long queues, troubling many commuters, with some stuck in traffic for over two hours.

"We have been stuck for two hours, it has been so tiring," said Reshma Patel, who was heading to Delhi. Patel was initially stuck on the flyover from Shankar Chowk towards Delhi before spending another 30 minutes near the toll plaza.

Vikas Kumar, a cab driver travelling from Maruti Kunj, was stuck in traffic for over an hour. Lokesh Verma, a Sector 54 resident, said he too was held up for nearly two hours as police checked vehicles near the toll plaza.

Meanwhile, over 100 buses carrying Congress workers from across Haryana arrived in Gurugram to participate in the 'Dilli Chalo' protest called by Rahul Gandhi for November 1. Protesters led by Congress leader Raj Babbar toppled the barricades as they marched forward, allowing several vehicles to pass through the road temporarily. Police later put the barricades back in place.

Protesters led by Congress leader Raj Babbar toppled the barricades as they marched forward, allowing several vehicles to pass.

Traffic police officials said additional personnel were deployed later in the afternoon to speed up vehicle checks and manage the congestion.

Traffic began clearing only around 3 pm, after snarls had persisted since 10 am.