NCR’s Anti-Pollution Drive: No Fuel for Old Vehicles in UP Cities from Nov 1

The National Capital Region (NCR) will enforce a stringent ban on refueling end-of-life (EoL) vehicles—petrol vehicles over 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years—in a bid to curb air pollution. While Delhi has already implemented this policy, the restriction will now extend to key cities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, impacting thousands of vehicle owners. The move, led by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), aims to reduce emissions but raises concerns about compliance and public inconvenience.

No Fuel for Old Vehicles

In Uttar Pradesh, the fuel ban will apply to Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida), two high-vehicle-density NCR districts, starting November 1, 2025. These cities, home to approximately 12.4 lakh EoL vehicles, will see fuel stations equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to identify and deny fuel to non-compliant vehicles. The policy, integrated with the VAHAN database, targets older vehicles contributing significantly to pollution, as per a 2024 Centre for Science and Environment analysis

Old Vehicles to face Fuel Ban

The ban poses significant hurdles for owners, particularly middle- and lower-income families who rely on aging vehicles for daily commutes. In Ghaziabad and Noida, where public transport options are often inadequate, the restriction may force owners to scrap vehicles or seek fuel in non-NCR areas, risking fines or impoundment. The CAQM’s data indicates that Delhi alone has 62 lakh EoL vehicles, with NCR adding another 46 lakh, amplifying the scale of the challenge.

NCR Cities Face Fuel Restrictions

However, technical glitches and lack of inter-state coordination have sparked public discontent, with fears of fuel smuggling from adjacent districts. Critics argue for emission-based criteria over age-based bans to spare well-maintained vehicles. While the fuel ban aims to improve NCR’s air quality, it demands robust public awareness and infrastructure upgrades. As November 1 approaches, Ghaziabad and Noida residents must prepare for a transformative shift in mobility to align with environmental goals.