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Updated On: 11-Apr-2025 04:19 AM
Delhi to ban CNG autos, goods carriers, and more under EV Policy 2.0 for cleaner commercial mobility.
Key Highlights:
No new CNG auto permits after August 15, 2026
Only electric goods carriers allowed from August 15, 2025
100% electric garbage fleet by December 31, 2027
Only electric city buses are to be procured by DTC and DIMTS
Ban on petrol, diesel, CNG two-wheelers from August 15, 2026
The Delhi government has released the draft of its Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy 2.0, marking a major move toward greener and cleaner transportation in the Capital. This updated policy focuses heavily on commercial vehicles such as auto-rickshaws, buses, goods carriers, and garbage collection vehicles, aiming to phase out polluting vehicles and promote electric mobility in a structured manner.
The main goal of this policy is to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-powered vehicles and push for a quicker and smoother transition to electric vehicles. The Delhi government plans to ban all new registrations of petrol, diesel, and CNG commercial vehicles in a phased manner, starting from August 15, 2025.
Let’s look at how this new policy affects different types of commercial vehicles.
Delhi has one of the largest fleets of auto-rickshaws in India, with over 1 lakh registered vehicles. While many of these already run on CNG, the government now plans to shift the entire fleet to electric.
No permits for CNG auto-rickshaws will be issued or renewed after August 15, 2026.
All new and replacement permits will be issued only for electric autos (e-autos).
Existing CNG autos that are over 10 years old must be replaced or retrofitted to electric during the policy period.
This move is expected to reduce both air pollution and operational costs for drivers.
The policy also targets delivery and logistics vehicles operating in the city:
From August 15, 2025, the registration of any new petrol, diesel, or CNG-powered goods carriers will be completely banned.
Only electric goods carriers will be allowed to operate, supporting cleaner last-mile delivery systems.
Public transport will see a major shift under EV Policy 2.0:
All new buses purchased by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) for city use will be electric.
For inter-state routes, only BS-VI compliant diesel buses will be allowed.
This change is aimed at reducing emissions from the high-traffic city bus fleet.
Waste management vehicles, often overlooked, are also included in this policy:
Fossil fuel-powered garbage collection vehicles operated by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, the New Delhi Municipal Council, and the Delhi Jal Board will be phased out.
The goal is to achieve a fully electric waste collection fleet by December 31, 2027.
While the focus is on commercial vehicles, the policy also includes a significant update for two-wheeler owners:
From August 15, 2026, petrol, diesel, and CNG-powered two-wheelers will no longer be allowed.
However, private car buyers will only be required to purchase electric vehicles if they already own two cars.
This recommendation may be revised before the final cabinet approval.
To support the growing EV ecosystem, the draft policy proposes a large-scale installation of new electric vehicle charging stations across the city, ensuring better access and faster adoption.
Currently, the draft EV Policy 2.0 is under review and awaiting approval by the Delhi cabinet. The earlier EV policy expired on March 31 but has been extended for 15 more days to allow a smooth transition.
Officials suggest that this could be the final extension, as the draft for the new policy is nearly finalized. However, some recommendations, particularly around two-wheelers, may be revised during cabinet discussions.
Air pollution and traffic congestion remain major health concerns in Delhi. The EV Policy 2.0 is another big step by the Delhi government to tackle these issues by promoting electric commercial vehicles and building a more sustainable transport system.
Delhi has already banned 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles and is now becoming a leader in clean mobility efforts with this new EV policy.
Once implemented, Delhi will be among the few cities taking strong and clear steps to replace fossil-fuel-run commercial vehicles with electric alternatives, ensuring a greener future for its residents.