The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region (NCR) and Adjoining Areas has issued a new directive aimed at reducing air pollution from inter-city buses. The CAQM observes that the transport sector significantly contributes to air pollution in the entire NCT. It has advocated for cleaner public transport services with particular emphasis to inter-city bus services to Delhi-NCR from neighboring areas.
Cleaner Public Transport
In light of this, the Govt. of NCT of Delhi by a letter dated January 19, 2023, had requested all the states / UTs in the country to work towards migration of only cleaner bus services to Delhi.
Therefore, upon deliberations with all concerned stakeholders, it was decided that older polluting buses (BS-III and BS-IV) entering Delhi-NCR from neighboring states will be phased out. These buses will be replaced with cleaner options such as:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses
- BS-VI diesel compliant buses (latest emission standards)
Implementation Timelines
Now, therefore, a strict implementation schedule has been set for each neighboring state. The deadlines for completing the transition to cleaner modes will be as follows:
- Punjab: Complete transition by December 31, 2024
- Himachal Pradesh: Complete transition by December 31, 2024
- Uttarakhand: 190 buses by December 31, 2024, remaining by March 31, 2025
- Madhya Pradesh: Complete transition by December 31, 2024
- Jammu & Kashmir: Complete transition by September 30, 2024
Applicability of Directions
This directive applies to buses operated by state governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and private entities.
However, the All India Tour Operators (AITO) license regime is currently exempt from these guidelines.
This initiative is expected to significantly reduce air pollution caused by inter-city bus traffic in Delhi-NCR, especially during winters when pollution levels peak. Cleaner buses will contribute to improved air quality and public health.
Implementation
The Commission has urged the Transport Departments of Delhi and NCR states, Traffic Police Departments of Delhi and NCR states and the State governments and UTs of neighboring areas to ensure strict compliance with these directions. Such compliance will be enforced through regular monitoring.
