Delhi tightens vehicle curbs: CNG conversion demand rises by up to 50% across NCR

New Delhi: Delhi's latest vehicle entry restrictions, introduced to tackle air pollution, are driving more motorists in neighbouring cities to consider converting their petrol cars to CNG. Installation centres across Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram have reported a sharp increase in demand since the restrictions came into effect on November 1.

The rules prohibit non-Delhi-registered vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards from operating in the national capital. The restrictions cover BS-IV and older petrol and diesel vehicles and will remain in force until January 31, 2027. CNG and electric vehicles, along with specified emergency vehicles, are exempt.

For residents of Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram who regularly travel to Delhi for work, education and other activities, the restrictions have created an additional challenge. Many are considering converting their existing petrol cars to CNG rather than purchasing newer vehicles.

Shakti Singh, a car expert associated with a CNG installation venture in Sector 122, Noida, said demand had increased by more than 50 per cent over the preceding 15 days. He said conversion costs start at around Rs 35,000, making the option more affordable for middle-class families than buying another vehicle.

The trend is also visible in Ghaziabad. One installer reported converting four to five vehicles in two to three days, compared with the usual four to five installations in an entire week.

In Karnal, a CNG installation centre reported a 25-30 per cent increase in installations, along with more enquiries from customers who had previously shown interest.

Yatin Bansal of Car Craft in Sector 83, Noida, said daily calls and enquiries about CNG conversions had increased by nearly 50 per cent. He added that customers were returning to discuss appointments, registration procedures and other formalities.

According to Bansal, conversion costs generally range from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 for BS-IV vehicles and Rs 50,000 to Rs 70,000 for BS-VI vehicles.

Another installer in Ghaziabad reported receiving nearly 20 calls a day over the preceding two to three days. Customers were seeking information about installation costs, documentation and registration requirements.

Deshraj of RB Autos, who has worked in the CNG installation business for 20 years, also reported a rise in enquiries. He said demand usually increased during the winter pollution season, but the latest vehicle restrictions had added to motorists' concerns.

The increase comes as Delhi continues to experience poor air quality. The city's AQI crossed 400 during a recent pollution spell, with several areas recording very poor and severe conditions.

Vehicle checks at Delhi-NCR border crossings have also contributed to traffic congestion. Commuters travelling from neighbouring districts, including parents dropping children at schools and people travelling to work, have reported long waiting periods at entry points.

What are the BS-IV and BS-VI emission norms?

Bharat Stage emission standards regulate the pollutants released by vehicles. BS-IV norms were introduced in Delhi-NCR and 13 other major cities in April 2010 before becoming mandatory for new vehicles across India in April 2017.

India subsequently moved directly from BS-IV to BS-VI, skipping BS-V. The stricter BS-VI standards came into force nationwide on April 1, 2020, imposing tighter limits on vehicle emissions.

Are Delhi's vehicle restrictions changing how NCR commuters travel?

The increase in CNG conversion demand highlights how pollution-control measures in Delhi can affect vehicle owners across the wider NCR.

For commuters who depend on older petrol and diesel vehicles, the restrictions have created a choice between converting their existing cars, purchasing vehicles that meet the required emission standards or using alternative transport.

CNG conversions offer a potentially less expensive option than replacing an entire vehicle. However, the reported rise in enquiries does not necessarily mean every interested vehicle owner will complete the conversion.

The restrictions also highlight the wider challenge of controlling vehicular pollution in a region where thousands of people travel across state and city boundaries every day.

While limiting the entry of older vehicles is one measure aimed at reducing emissions, sustained improvements in air quality also depend on addressing pollution from other sources, including road dust, construction, industries and other combustion activities.

The latest surge in CNG enquiries shows how regulatory changes are influencing consumer decisions. Whether this translates into a lasting shift towards cleaner transport will depend on the implementation of pollution-control measures and the availability of affordable alternatives.