Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Revised Delhi-NCR GRAP Rules Tie Vehicle Restrictions to Pollution Stages
Delhi-NCR has a plan that adds more pollution-control rules when the air gets dirtier.
The plan has four stages.
Officials can start a stage based on pollution forecasts, not only after the AQI reaches a certain number.
At Stage III, some older-emission-standard petrol and diesel cars may be restricted in Delhi and nearby districts.
At Stage IV, many heavy goods vehicles face stricter limits on entering Delhi, with some truck types allowed.
Rules from earlier stages continue when a stricter stage begins.
Drivers should check the SAMEER app for AQI and the CAQM website for the stage officially in force.
An AQI number by itself does not confirm which rules currently apply.
The revised GRAP has four stages, with restrictions increasing as Delhi's AQI worsens.
Authorities may invoke stages based on forecasts, and can act immediately after an unexpected pollution spike.
At Stage III (AQI 401–450), restrictions target BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel or below-standard light motor vehicles in Delhi and five specified NCR districts.
At Stage IV (AQI above 450), heavy goods vehicles face tighter Delhi entry restrictions, with stated exemptions for LNG, CNG, electric and BS-VI diesel trucks.
The article directs drivers to check AQI on the SAMEER app and the active GRAP stage on the CAQM website.
- Who
- The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sets the revised GRAP framework; it affects drivers and vehicle owners in Delhi-NCR.
- What
- A four-stage pollution response plan sets progressively stricter vehicle and other measures.
- When
- The article discusses the revised framework and its AQI thresholds; it gives no publication date.
- Where
- Delhi and the specified NCR areas, including Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budha Nagar.
- Why
- To respond to worsening air pollution through measures that increase with pollution levels and forecasts.
AQI Reading
Official GRAP Status
What determines restrictions
AQI Reading
AQI indicates the pollution category and the threshold associated with a GRAP stage.
Official GRAP Status
The article says a reading alone does not establish that restrictions apply; CAQM invokes stages using prevailing air quality, forecasts and meteorological conditions.
- Stages
- Four stages, with measures from earlier stages remaining in force as later stages are invoked.
- Stage I threshold
- AQI 201–300; includes enforcement of pollution-control norms and PUC requirements.
- Stage II threshold
- AQI 301–400; measures include higher vehicle parking fees and promotion of public transport.
- Stage III threshold
- AQI 401–450; restrictions target specified BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel or below-standard LMVs.
- Stage III coverage
- Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budha Nagar.
- Stage IV threshold
- AQI above 450; heavy goods vehicle entry into Delhi is restricted, with stated exceptions.
- Check current status
- Use the SAMEER app for AQI and the CAQM website for the GRAP stage in force.