15 out of the city’s 500 fuel stations are yet to be equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, a key tracking system.

Delhi To Implement Ban On Fuel Sales To Vehicles Exceeding Permissible Age Within Two Weeks

In an attempt to curb vehicular emissions, the Delhi government is likely to execute its plan to halt the sale of fuel to old cars classified as end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) within the next two weeks, officials familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times.

In addition, only 15 out of the city’s 500 fuel stations are yet to be equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras, a key tracking system. The restrictions will apply to all vehicles, regardless of their registration state, once they enter any fuel station within Delhi.

This equipment will help the Delhi government in rolling out the scheme. The initiative was announced earlier this year, but experts have raised concerns about potential confusion and enforcement challenges.

“Only about 15 fuel stations out of the 500 in the city still need to install the necessary systems, such as cameras to identify ELVs as soon as they enter for refueling. Around 485 stations, including CNG stations, have already completed the installation. Once all stations are equipped, the rollout will begin,” an anonymous source told HT.

The official also added that the government is expecting approval from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) shortly.

The plan, initially set for rollout on April 1, was delayed due to incomplete installation of tracking systems.

Under the new system, CCTV cameras with ANPR technology will scan vehicle number plates at fuel stations. These cameras, linked to the mParivahan database, will identify vehicles exceeding age limits and notify fuel station operators to deny them fuel.

The restrictions will apply to all vehicles, irrespective of their registration state, when they enter any fuel station in Delhi. Under 2015 National Green Tribunal regulations, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018, petrol vehicles over 15 years old and diesel vehicles over 10 years old are banned from operating in Delhi as ELVs.

The scheme is part of the government’s effort to curb pollution by removing older vehicles that don’t meet emission standards.

As of September 2024, Delhi had over 6 million ELVs. While many have been removed, thousands still contribute to pollution across NCR. In 2023, 22,397 vehicles were impounded, with 2,310 in the first nine months of 2024. Over 20,000 ELVs were impounded for scrapping between 2024 and 2025, though Delhi lacks its own scrapping facility.

While most impounded vehicles are scrapped, no consolidated data on scrappage exists. The Delhi government sought CAQM clearance for the policy in April, and enforcement will begin once cameras are fully installed. Experts urge clear communication on legal exemptions, such as for vintage vehicles.