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In order to control pollution in the National Capital, the Union Cabinet has approved an ambitious scheme allowing all buses and trucks in next five years to upgrade and comply with strict BS-VI norms.
According to details released, the Cabinet in its weekly meeting held on Wednesday the 3rd of June 2026 decided to allocate Rs 9,585 crores for the project seeking to incentivise owners of trucks and buses to change their vehicles.
The scheme will benefit approximately 2.07 lakh (1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses) owners in Delhi-NCR (comprising Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh).
For trucks and busses the scheme to provides the owners of trucks and buses registered in the Delhi–NCR region that comply with BS-IV or earlier emission norms to replace them with BS-VI or stricter emission-compliant vehicles, or electric vehicles (EVs).
By accelerating the transition to cleaner transport technologies, the scheme is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions and contribute to improved air quality across the Delhi–NCR region.
Air pollution in the Delhi-NCR remains a severe public health challenge, particularly during winter months.
As per the report on “Source Apportionment of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 and PM 10) in the NCR” prepared by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), published in August 2018, the transport sector contributes 14% of PM 2.5, 40% of Carbon Monoxide (CO), and 63% of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions in the Delhi-NCR.
Within the transport sector, trucks and buses account for 36% of PM 2.5 emissions with only 3% of the total fleet.
It is estimated that a single Pre-BS heavy-duty vehicle emits as much as 14 BS-VI compliant vehicles.
Even a BS-IV vehicle emits 2.7 times more than a BS-VI counterpart. Hence, the newer fleet is expected to reduce the vehicular pollution substantially.
For BS‑III or older vehicles, scrapping at Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities is mandatory, while BS‑IV vehicles may either be scrapped or sold outside NCR in non‑NCAP cities / towns. Owners must then purchase and register a BS‑VI or stricter norms compliant or electric vehicle within NCR.
However, In Delhi, Light Goods Vehicles purchased under the scheme must be electric, while buses must be BS‑VI CNG or electric only. Government vehicles are excluded from the scheme.
Benefits under the scheme:
The Centre will provide 5% interest subvention on loans for five years, monthly fuel vouchers worth up to Rs.4,800 depending on vehicle category, and lump‑sum benefits for EV purchases or Certificate of Deposit trading.
State governments will waive registration fees and grant up to 100% motor vehicle tax concessions for new vehicles and 50% for used vehicles for 10 years.
State Government will also waive of pending liabilities on the old vehicles participating in the scheme.
Participating Auto OEMs will offer 8% discounts on ex‑showroom prices.
Implementation will be fully digital through an integrated portal, which will enable real‑time eligibility checks, automated interest subvention claims, monthly fuel voucher credits, and monitoring of pollution reduction outcomes.
The benefits by central government will continue for 5 years from the date of registration of the new vehicle, ensuring sustained impact beyond the two‑year enrolment window.
The scheme will be monitored by an Empowered Committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary with CEO, Niti Ayog, Secretaries of MoHUA, MoRT&H, MoPNG, DFS, Chief Secretaries of states in Delhi NCR as members, and Member Secretary of NCRPB being the member convenor.
At the district level, District Collectors/ District Magistrates will be implementing and monitoring the scheme.
