The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) on October 07, 2026, has proposed mandating the registration of only electric three-wheelers (passenger and goods vehicles) across Delhi-NCR in a phased manner to reduce PM₂.₅ emissions and accelerate the transition to zero-emission mobility. Under the proposal, only electric three-wheelers would be permitted for new registrations in the National Capital Territory of Delhi from January 1, 2027; in high vehicle density NCR cities, namely Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar, from January 1, 2028; and in the remaining NCR districts from January 1, 2029. This proposed transition aligns with the existing direction requiring diesel three-wheelers to be phased out by December 31, 2026.
The proposal is based on the contribution of three-wheelers to particulate emissions, their high utilisation in urban and last-mile transport, and the increasing availability and adoption of electric alternatives. The document states that three-wheelers account for approximately 18.6% of incremental PM emissions from new vehicle registrations across NCR, despite representing a relatively small share of new vehicle sales. It also highlights the limitations of CNG vehicles in addressing particulate pollution and notes that the electric three-wheeler market, battery-swapping infrastructure and financing options are sufficiently developed to support the transition.
The proposed mandate is expected to prevent further emissions from newly registered internal-combustion-engine vehicles, improve air quality, reduce operating and maintenance costs for drivers, lower urban noise pollution and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The document presents the measure as a proposal for phased electrification; it does not, by itself, establish that the proposed registration restrictions have been formally implemented.
