Starting July 1, 2025, a major new rule will come into force in Delhi that could impact thousands of vehicle owners. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has announced that End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles, identified through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, will be banned from refueling at petrol and diesel stations across the city.
An End-of-Life vehicle is defined as a diesel vehicle older than 10 years or a petrol vehicle older than 15 years. This initiative is part of a broader effort to combat the severe air pollution in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
Expansion Timeline for the Fuel Ban
From November 1, 2025, the fuel ban will extend to Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Sonipat.
From April 1, 2026, it will cover the entire NCR.
This phased rollout is designed to gradually eliminate older, more polluting vehicles from the roads across North India.
Over 3.63 Crore Vehicles Already Screened
According to Dr. Virendra Sharma, CAQM member, ANPR cameras have now been installed at 500 fuel stations across Delhi. These cameras enable real-time tracking of vehicle data.
So far, more than 3.63 crore vehicles have been scanned, with 4.90 lakh vehicles flagged as ‘End-of-Life’.
Additionally, thanks to greater enforcement of pollution rules, 29.52 lakh vehicles have renewed their Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). Over ₹168 crore in fines have already been issued — signaling how seriously authorities are pursuing pollution control.
100 Enforcement Teams on the Ground
To enforce these new measures, the Delhi Transport Department has deployed 100 dedicated teams. These teams will analyze ANPR data, target fuel stations with high numbers of flagged vehicles, and ensure strict compliance with the new rules.
“This is a crucial step to clean up Delhi’s air,” said Dr. Sharma. “Older BS Standard vehicles are a major contributor to pollution. With this transparent and digital system, enforcement can now happen more effectively — even at toll plazas.”
How the ANPR System Works
The ANPR system captures the license plate numbers of vehicles as they enter a fuel station. The number is automatically checked against the central Vehicle Database, which includes details such as registration, fuel type, and vehicle age.
If a vehicle exceeds the legal age limit, it is flagged as End-of-Life. The fuel station is then notified not to refuel the vehicle, and the violation is reported to enforcement agencies — who can take further action, such as impounding or scrapping the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The new ANPR-based system is expected to dramatically improve compliance with Delhi and NCR’s clean air policies. With digitized monitoring, real-time alerts, and a phased ban on older vehicles, this initiative represents one of the most aggressive moves yet to tackle urban air pollution in India.
Author Profile
- My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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