Delhi's government announced plans to eventually ban petrol scooters, motorbikes, and autorickshaws in favor of electric vehicles, aiming to reduce dangerously high pollution levels by the end of the decade. The policies, which will phase out new petrol and gas scooters, trucks, and buses over the next two years, have been hailed by environmentalists as a "gamechanger" in the fight against toxic emissions.
Transport's Contribution to Delhi's Air Pollution
Transport has been one of the highest contributors to Delhi's air pollution, which is consistently at levels dangerous to human health and linked to tens of thousands of deaths each year. According to the government's own figures, vehicle emissions account for an average of 23% of pollutants in the air, making it the highest single source of emissions, particularly during the toxic winter months when thick smog routinely cloaks the city.
Scooters and rickshaws—which largely run on petrol and compressed fossil gas—account for more than two-thirds of the tens of millions of vehicles on Delhi's roads. Under the new policy, from 2027, only electric small trucks and three-wheelers (e-rickshaws) will receive new license plates, and from 2028, only e-scooters and electric motorbikes.
Government Targets and Expert Reactions
The Delhi government hopes the move will lead to electrification of at least 30% of the capital's vehicle fleet by 2030. "The policy focuses on pure EVs, which offer superior environmental benefits as zero-emission vehicles," Delhi's government said in a statement on Monday.
Amit Bhatt, managing director of the International Council on Clean Transportation, said: "The proposed phaseout of two- and three-wheelers could be a gamechanger in Delhi's fight against air pollution." He emphasized that accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles can significantly reduce vehicular emissions, improve public health, and pave the way for broader adoption across all vehicle segments.
Vikas Nimesh, assistant professor at IIT Delhi's School of Public Policy, also used the phrase "gamechanger." He noted that affordable Indian electric vehicles are rapidly expanding, with Delhi already the largest market in India. Nimesh expressed optimism that the new policy would spur manufacturers to invest in green technology and "come up with more EV models" to increase consumer choice and competition.
Charging Infrastructure and Driver Concerns
E-rickshaws have become increasingly common in Delhi over the past two years, but a lack of charging points has deterred drivers from switching. The government has pledged to establish more than 30,000 public charging points across the capital under the new policy.
Rajesh Gopi, 37, an auto-rickshaw driver in Connaught Place, expressed skepticism about the transition occurring in just two years. "I have heard that e-rickshaws need charging a lot and can't travel as far as we can on gas," he said. "If I have to wait one or two hours every day for charging, that's lost income for me that I can't afford. I also don't know how to maintain an e-rickshaw or stop the batteries getting stolen." However, he conceded the city's pollution was unbearable for drivers forced to breathe deadly fumes. "I am not against change and making the air clean, but I hope we are not the ones to pay the price."
Incentives and Criticisms
The policy also introduces significant road and vehicle tax exemptions for people buying new electric cars to incentivize voluntary switching. However, some critics express concern that two years is too short a window to phase out new petrol scooters and rickshaws and ensure sufficient consumer choice.
Bhavreen Kandhari, a prominent environmentalist, said the government should also commit to expanding green public transport. While Delhi has a substantial metro system, it is often criticized for lack of connectivity across the vast city, keeping people reliant on rickshaws and scooters for last-mile travel. "More cars on the road is not a solution," said Kandhari. "To reduce traffic jams and dust, the government should work on improving public transport and last-mile connectivity with green solutions. This EV policy falls short on that aspect."
