GRAP 4 Curbs End In Delhi: Can BS4 Petrol Vehicles Enter The City Now?

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has lifted the GRAP 4 restrictions in Delhi with immediate effect. The step to revoke the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has been taken, considering the improvement in the air quality in the nation. Based on the announcement, the air quality has improved to the "poor" category with 271 AQI. CAQM had imposed GRAP 4 after AQI breached 450, putting the air quality in "severe plus" quality.

On December 13, GRAP Stage IV was implemented after Delhi's Air Quality Index exceeded the 450 threshold, prompting the restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). With the removal of Stage IV across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), some of the most disruptive measures, including bans on specific vehicle categories and construction activities, are no longer in effect.

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Older vehicles that were previously removed from the roads due to GRAP Stage IV can now return to Delhi's streets. The policy that allowed only Bharat Stage (BS) 6 vehicles to enter the national capital had restricted at least 1.2 million older vehicles registered outside the city from entering. According to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, only BS-6 vehicles from outside Delhi will be permitted entry while GRAP Stages III and IV are in effect.

Under the regulations of GRAP Stage III, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles are prohibited from operating in Delhi-NCR. However, BS4 petrol vehicles are not banned under Stage III. This means BS4 petrol cars can move freely within Delhi or the broader NCR as long as they meet standard requirements, such as having a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate.

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Vehicles lacking a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate are unable to refuel at gas stations. Emissions from vehicles significantly contribute to Delhi's hazardous air quality, particularly during the winter months when cooler temperatures trap smog near the surface. Experts estimate that vehicles are responsible for as much as 40 percent of particulate pollution in the NCR, especially in heavily trafficked corridors. By limiting higher-emission vehicles, authorities aim to reduce the pollution burden and protect public health.