In what can be seen as it’s time-bound strategy to tackle pollution through stricter enforcement and cleaner transport, Delhi government has identified 11 priority sectors for implementation, the focus being on the core sources of pollution under the Air Pollution mitigation Plan-2026.
With Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiling the Air Pollution Mitigation Action Plan 2026, sweeping measures are seen in its fold to combat air pollution, mainly covering vehicles .In order to tackle the capital's chronic air quality crisis, tough new rules on vehicle emissions and a drive to ease congestion at dozens of pollution hotspots have been envisaged. From November 1, 2026, entry of goods vehicles into the city will be restricted to those compliant with BS-VI norms, CNG, or electric power.
The restriction forms part of a broader zero-tolerance approach to vehicle emissions, backed by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras and digital tracking systems. The government is also enforcing a "No PUC, No Fuel" rule, under which vehicles without valid pollution-under-control certificates will be denied fuel.
The plan identifies 62 traffic hotspots across the city for targeted, time-bound interventions to ease congestion. A citywide Intelligent Traffic Management System is being rolled out alongside smart parking solutions and pricing reforms designed to cut road emissions. During periods of severe pollution, the government may also introduce staggered office timings, work-from-home arrangements and additional curbs on high-polluting vehicles.
To reduce dependence on private cars, the government aims to expand Delhi's bus fleet to 13,760 vehicles by 2028-29, with a preference for electric buses. Metro and rapid rail networks will be integrated with feeder buses, electric autos and shared transport services to improve last-mile connectivity. Some 32,000 electric vehicle charging points are also planned over the next four years, supported by an upcoming EV Policy 2026 focused on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles.
The action plan released on Friday focuses on key sources of pollution – vehicular emissions, road dust, construction activity, industrial discharge, and biomass burning – through a scientific, data-driven approach, the government said. In all it identifies 11 priority sectors with clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and real-time monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance.
Gupta stressed that the government has a “zero-tolerance” policy towards polluting vehicles. She said the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule is being strictly enforced, supported by cameras that automatically detect number plates.
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