CHANDIGARH: As from today entry of BS-VI vehicles is barred in Delhi as part of tighter air pollution curbs across the National Capital Region (NCR) thus hitting commuters, businesses and transporters in Gurugram as approximately 60,000 commercial vehicles from the millennium city alone are expected to be stopped from entering the national capital, disrupting the movement of goods worth around Rs 10,000 crore across the NCR.
Besides thousands of people who travel between Gurugram and Delhi every day, along with traders, are likely to face hardship under the new rule.
Gurugram Transport Association claimed that this decision will bring roughly 20 per cent of the region's commercial vehicles to a halt, including taxis, buses and trucks. "Transporters have said they will follow the government's orders and use BS-VI (Bharat Stage 6) vehicles in place of BS-IV ones," it stated.
The association has further warned that with the limited availability of BS-VI vehicles could delay deliveries into the NCR by two to three days, putting the supply chain under strain.
"This rule will have a huge impact on the transport business as large number of vehicles in our business is manufactured before 2020 and they are in good condition. Also they go under regular inspections. But now these vehicles will not be allowed to enter Delhi thus goods cannot be transported in these vehicles." said association member.
"Additionally, there will be a problem regarding time as due this number of trips will reduce thus impacting the delivery of goods, besides vehicles from other states will also be unable to arrive on time," said a member of the association.
Sources said that there are 2.50 lakh commercial vehicles, of which approximately 60,000 are not BS-VI compliant as they are manufactured before 2020. These vehicles will no longer be able to enter Delhi.
As per statistics there are over 2 million vehicles registered in the city, of which over 7 lakh are pre-2020. A valid PUC certificate has been made mandatory for entry into Delhi. This decision will have a significant impact in Gurugram.
Also some 1.5 lakh BS-IV cars are registered in Gurugram district, of which about 40,000 are diesel. Diesel car owners are expected to bear the brunt of the restriction. Every BS-IV vehicle heading to Delhi is being checked for its RC and PUC certificate.
Orders have been issued to seize vehicles found violating the rules. Commercial vehicles, trucks, and buses registered in other states are being particularly closely monitored.
The transport department and traffic police are on alert to enforce the Delhi entry ban. Special police teams have been deployed at five key points on the Gurugram-Delhi border.
Authorities are also strictly enforcing the existing age limits of 15 years for petrol vehicles and 10 years for diesel vehicles. A valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate is mandatory for all vehicles. Commuters heading to Delhi in BS-IV vehicles will need to carry their registration certificate (RC) and PUC certificate.
The curbs come as air pollution typically worsens across the NCR in the winter months, prompting stricter vehicle restrictions in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad and other satellite towns.
