In a significant move to combat the alarming levels of pollution in Delhi, the Delhi Transport Department is gearing up to enforce strict measures in accordance with the directives issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) concerning interstate buses operating in Delhi-NCR.
Starting November 1, only buses powered by electric, CNG, or equipped with BS-6 category diesel engines will be granted entry into Delhi-NCR from other states. To ensure rigorous enforcement of these regulations, the Delhi Government’s Transport Department has issued a circular outlining the new requirements. CAQM has also communicated this order to the Principal Secretaries and Transport Commissioners of the Transport Departments in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Adherence to CAQM Instructions is Paramount
The circular, issued by the Secretary of the State Transport Authority, explicitly states that commencing November 1, roadways buses from Haryana, Rajasthan, or Uttar Pradesh will only be permitted to enter Delhi if they meet the specified criteria – they must be electric, CNG-powered, or equipped with BS-6 diesel engines. This directive applies to private bus operators, state PSU buses, and state roadways buses. The Transport Department has underlined the critical importance of strict adherence to these CAQM instructions, with violations subject to punitive action under the Motor Vehicle Act.
Rigorous Inspections at Borders and Bus Stands
Starting November 1, teams from the Transport Department will carry out comprehensive inspections at all Delhi borders through which interstate buses enter and exit the city. Only buses meeting the CAQM guidelines, i.e., those powered by CNG, electricity, or equipped with BS-6 diesel engines, will be granted entry through these border checkpoints. Inspections will also extend to bus stands and other locations frequented by private bus operators. Any buses found in violation of these new regulations will be impounded.
It is important to note that daily, thousands of people from neighboring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan travel to various cities within the Delhi-NCR region using interstate and private buses. With the ban on non-compliant buses set to begin on November 1, bus passengers may experience some disruptions and are encouraged to plan their travel accordingly.
