Delhi NCR’s air pollution is a well-known crisis, with the city often shrouded in thick smog, especially in winter. The sources of pollution are many—construction dust, industrial emissions, and seasonal crop stubble burning. However, vehicular emissions have emerged as the single largest contributor, accounting for over 50% of local air pollution in Delhi’s own emission inventory.

Other sources, like waste burning and biomass combustion, are significant but contribute less, with crop stubble fires from neighbouring states adding only 8–16% to Delhi’s PM2.5 levels, even during peak burning seasons. The roads tell the story—millions of cars, two-wheelers, and heavy trucks release pollutants faster than they can disperse, creating a toxic mix that impacts air quality, public health, and the economy.

The Challenge Ahead

Vehicular pollution in Delhi is a year-round problem that is set to worsen as vehicle numbers rise. Transport emissions account for:

• 28–30% of Delhi’s PM2.5 emissions in winter.
• 81% of nitrogen oxides (NOx), mostly from diesel vehicles.
• 67.5% of total carbon monoxide (CO) emissions in Delhi NCR.

These pollutants have serious consequences. PM2.5 and NOx directly impact respiratory and cardiac health, while NOx contributes to ground-level ozone formation, worsening asthma and reducing visibility. Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) often crosses "severe" levels, forcing school closures and limiting outdoor activities.

Economically, air pollution costs India billions of dollars. Delhi alone saw ₹35 billion (~$480 million) in annual health and productivity losses. A 2019 analysis estimated that India lost 3.8 billion workdays due to air pollution-related illnesses, translating to $44 billion in economic losses.

Vehicle ownership in Delhi NCR is skyrocketing, with over 13 million registered vehicles. By 2050, projections show:

• Passenger vehicle numbers could increase four-fold.
• Freight transport could expand by 10–12 times.

Without intervention, pollution levels will intensify, worsening health risks and economic burdens. Since vehicle emissions occur at ground level, millions of people are exposed daily, especially those stuck in traffic. Studies show that while an average person spends 10% of their day commuting, this accounts for 25–40% of their daily pollution exposure.

What the Government is Doing

Recognizing the crisis, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi government have launched multiple initiatives to curb vehicular emissions.

1. Stricter Emission Standards (BS-VI Norms)

In April 2020, India leapfrogged from BS-IV to BS-VI emission standards, introducing European-grade pollution controls. BS-VI norms reduced NOx emissions from diesel cars by 68% and particulate matter (PM) by 80%.

• BS-VI fuel contains just 10 ppm sulfur, compared to 50 ppm in BS-IV fuel, significantly lowering toxic emissions.
• Heavy-duty trucks must now use diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, cutting PM and NOx emissions by over 85%.

Delhi was one of the first cities to adopt BS-VI fuel, and remote emissions testing has confirmed cleaner tailpipe readings for BS-VI vehicles.

2. Accelerating Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption

Delhi is leading India's EV revolution, aiming for 25% of new vehicle registrations to be electric by 2024. The numbers show impressive progress:

• As of late 2024, EVs account for 11.5% of new vehicle sales in Delhi—the highest in India.
• Over 220,000 EVs have been registered in Delhi NCR, including e-rickshaws, cars, and two-wheelers.
• In Noida, Gurugram, and Faridabad, EV sales have increased by over 200% in the last two years.

To support this growth, Delhi has expanded charging infrastructure:

• 2,300+ public charging points have been installed in parking lots, markets, and curbside locations.
• Battery swapping stations for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers are being rolled out.
• 2,000+ electric buses are now part of Delhi’s public transport, with a goal to reach 8,000 by 2025–26.

Delhi is also supporting e-rickshaws and e-delivery vehicles, offering incentives, tax waivers, and scrappage bonuses to replace petrol and diesel models.

3. Public Transport Expansion

• Delhi Metro now covers 393 km and handles 4–5 million passengers daily, reducing the need for car travel.
• Buses have been upgraded with electric and CNG models, reducing emissions.
• First-mile and last-mile connectivity is improving, with shuttle services and dedicated e-rickshaw hubs near Metro stations.

Expanding public transport is key to reducing private vehicle dependency, helping ease congestion and pollution.

4. Phasing Out Old Vehicles

• Diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years are banned in Delhi NCR.
• Over 5.4 million old vehicles have been de-registered.
• Fleet modernization incentives encourage trucking companies to switch to cleaner models.

Old vehicles emit several times more pollution than new ones. Removing them from the roads has already reduced PM2.5 levels by 15% in some areas.

5. Intelligent Traffic Management and Low Emission Zones (LEZ)

• Truck entry restrictions: The Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways have diverted thousands of diesel trucks away from Delhi.
• Odd-Even scheme: Car rationing has been tested to reduce peak-hour pollution.
• Low Emission Zones (LEZ): Plans are underway to restrict high-polluting vehicles in central Delhi areas.

International examples like London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) show that LEZs can quickly reduce NOx emissions and improve air quality.

6. Strengthening Pollution Monitoring

• Remote sensing devices scan vehicle exhaust in real time.
• Strict enforcement of Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates—over 100,000 fines were issued in early 2024 alone.
• Linking emissions data to insurance renewals is under consideration.

Government policies can only go so far—real change happens when individuals take responsibility. Here’s how we can help:

✅ Carpool or use shared mobility – Reduces congestion and emissions.
✅ Choose public transport whenever possible – Expanding Metro and bus networks make this easier.
✅ Opt for an EV or CNG vehicle – Delhi’s EV incentives make this a smart, cost-effective choice.
✅ Maintain our vehicle – Regular servicing and pollution checks keep emissions in check.
✅ Plan our trips – Combine errands, avoid unnecessary driving, and travel during off-peak hours.
✅ Support pedestrian-friendly policies – While not always easy in current conditions, improving walkability and cycling infrastructure will make these sustainable options viable in the future.

By making cleaner choices, we reduce pollution, ease congestion, and improve public health.

Delhi’s battle against vehicular pollution is challenging but not impossible. The shift to cleaner fuel, electric mobility, public transport, and stricter regulations is already underway. If these efforts continue at full scale, experts predict Delhi’s PM2.5 levels could drop by over 50% in the next decade.

Many global cities have successfully tackled air pollution—London, Los Angeles, Shenzhen—and Delhi can do the same. But the government cannot do it alone.

We all have a role to play.

The smog does not have to define our future. With collective action, Delhi can move from grey skies to blue, and from crisis to clean air.

‍