CAQM to phase out CNG light goods vehicles in Delhi-NCR from 2027

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has directed that new diesel, petrol and CNG light goods vehicles (LGVs) up to 3.5 tonnes cannot be registered in Delhi from January 1, 2027. The ban will extend to high vehicle-density NCR districts including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddha Nagar from January 1, 2028. The Hindu Businessline reports that the move targets the N1 vehicle segment, of which Delhi-NCR has over 1.03 lakh CNG units but only around 2,000 electric ones.

Industry executives and the Indian Federation of Transport Research and Training told The Hindu Businessline that the transition will disrupt small and medium businesses, citing faster turnaround times for CNG versus inadequate EV charging infrastructure. CAQM cited zero tailpipe emissions from EVs compared to methane and nitrogen oxides from CNG. Separately, Businesstoday.in reports that Gautam Buddh Nagar administration has tightened checks at CNG pumps, requiring a valid hydrotest certificate every three years for cylinder refuelling, after a cylinder blast accident at a Delhi CNG pump.