A parliamentary panel urges an annual limit on petrol and diesel vehicle registrations in Delhi-NCR to reduce emissions, alongside targeted EV subsidies, parking perks, and infrastructure boosts like premium buses and expanded Metro lines.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science and Technology, Environment, Forests and Climate Change has recommended imposing an annual ceiling on the registration of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) as a key measure to address persistent air quality issues and urban congestion. Chaired by BJP MP Bhubaneswar Kalita, the committee's report emphasizes the need for structural reforms to promote cleaner mobility options.
The proposal aims to curb the influx of polluting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by introducing a regulatory cap on their annual registrations, described as a "critical regulatory step" to halt further growth of emission sources. The panel stressed that while existing initiatives have shown promise, their effectiveness has been limited by inconsistent enforcement and lack of long-term commitment.
To encourage a shift toward zero-emission vehicles, the committee outlined a comprehensive set of incentives focused on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and fuel cell electric vehicles. These include production-linked incentives (PLI), purchase subsidies, and tax concessions to make EVs more accessible.
Additional measures proposed encompass:
The report positions these incentives as essential "firm disincentives" to drive behavioral change toward sustainable transport.
Beyond vehicle caps and EV boosts, the panel called for enhancements to public transport and emission monitoring. It suggested launching a premium, app-based bus service with real-time tracking and reserved seating to draw private car users, thereby easing road congestion and funding further expansions.
On vehicle maintenance, the committee recommended deploying remote sensing technology for Pollution Under Control (PUC) checks to spot high emitters more efficiently. It also advocated advancing the first mandatory fitness test for vehicles from 15 to 10 years—particularly for SUVs—and providing fiscal incentives for voluntary scrappage programs to retire older, polluting models.
Infrastructure priorities include expediting approvals for Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors, such as Delhi-Gurugram-SNB and Delhi-Panipat-Karnal, while reviewing others and accelerating pending Delhi Metro lines. The panel further advised early planning for Metro Phase 5 to sustain momentum in mass transit development.
The recommendations come amid ongoing concerns over Delhi-NCR's hazardous air quality episodes, where short-term interventions have often fallen short. The report underscores the urgency of sustained, multi-pronged actions to transition the region toward cleaner, more efficient mobility systems.
The government is expected to review these suggestions as part of its broader environmental strategy, with implementation timelines to be determined in consultation with stakeholders.
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training, with a passion for electric vehicles that goes far beyond numbers and analysis. A former banker turned EV enthusiast, Suhail writes to share the latest insights, trends, and future possibilities in the world of electric mobility. Through ElecTree, he hopes to connect with fellow enthusiasts and anyone curious about the shift toward sustainable transportation. Outside of his work in the EV space, Suhail has a deep love for music, good food, and the thrill of a football match. Whether he’s analyzing market trends or discovering the newest electric innovations, he’s always excited to bring readers along for the journey.