As air pollution levels continue to remain severe in the national capital, the Delhi government has tightened vehicle movement rules under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). With stricter curbs in place, many residents are confused about which vehicles are allowed on the roads. A key question being asked is whether electric and CNG vehicles can continue to operate in Delhi during these restrictions.

Here is a clear and simple explanation of the current rules.

1. GRAP Stage IV Comes Into Force in Delhi

Stage IV of GRAP is the strictest level of pollution control measures and is implemented when air quality falls into the “Severe” or “Severe Plus” category.
The aim is to reduce emissions quickly by restricting high-polluting activities, especially vehicle movement.

2. Electric and CNG Vehicles Remain Allowed

Despite the stricter curbs, electric vehicles (EVs) and CNG-powered vehicles are fully exempt from the current restrictions.
Both private and commercial electric and CNG vehicles can continue to operate within Delhi without any ban.

This exemption applies to vehicles registered in Delhi as well as those coming from outside the city.

3. No Restrictions on Entry of EVs and CNG Vehicles

Electric and CNG vehicles are allowed to enter Delhi freely, even during GRAP Stage IV.
Owners of electric cars, CNG cars, two-wheelers, and commercial vehicles do not need special permission to travel into the city under the current rules.

4. Which Vehicles Are Banned Under GRAP Stage IV

Under Stage IV, the following vehicles face restrictions:

• BS3 petrol vehicles

• BS4 diesel vehicles

These vehicles are not allowed to operate in Delhi-NCR during the period of severe pollution. The ban applies to both private and commercial categories.

5. Cleaner Vehicles Exempt From BS Norm Restrictions

The restrictions on BS3 and BS4 vehicles do not apply to:

• Electric vehicles

• CNG vehicles

• LNG vehicles

As these vehicles produce lower emissions, authorities have allowed them to continue operations even during peak pollution periods.

6. Commercial Electric, CNG and LNG Vehicles Allowed

Commercial vehicles running on electricity, CNG, or LNG are also permitted under the current pollution curbs.
This includes taxis, delivery vehicles, buses, and goods carriers, provided they meet other regulatory requirements.

7. Construction Material Vehicles Still Restricted

However, an important exception applies.
Commercial vehicles carrying construction material are restricted from entering Delhi, regardless of fuel type.
This rule has been introduced to control dust and particulate pollution caused by construction-related transport.

8. Why Electric and CNG Vehicles Are Exempt

Authorities have clarified that allowing electric and CNG vehicles is part of a long-term strategy to promote cleaner mobility.
These vehicles emit significantly fewer pollutants compared to petrol and diesel vehicles, helping reduce the overall pollution burden.

9. Restrictions May Change Based on Air Quality

Officials have stated that GRAP measures are dynamic.
The restrictions will remain under review and may be tightened or relaxed depending on how air quality levels change in the coming days.

Residents are advised to stay updated through official government notifications.

10. What Vehicle Owners Should Keep in Mind

Vehicle owners in Delhi should:

• Check their vehicle’s fuel type and emission category

• Avoid using banned BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel vehicles

• Prefer public transport, EVs, or CNG vehicles

• Follow traffic advisories and pollution-related updates

Reducing unnecessary travel can also help control pollution levels.

Conclusion

Under the current Delhi pollution restrictions and GRAP Stage IV, electric and CNG vehicles are allowed to operate and enter the city without restrictions. While high-polluting petrol and diesel vehicles face bans, cleaner alternatives remain exempt to balance pollution control with essential mobility. Authorities continue to monitor air quality closely, and residents are advised to stay alert for any changes in the rules.