CAQM allows aggregators to induct BS-VI petrol two-wheelers till Dec-end 2026

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has allowed app-based aggregators and delivery platforms in Delhi-NCR to continue inducting BS-VI-compliant petrol two-wheelers till Dec 31, 2026.The decision, issued in a new order dated Dec 23, modified CAQM’s June directive that barred the addition of diesel or petrol-run vehicles into service fleets of aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce companies from Jan 1, 2026.

The previous order included all two-wheelers, four-wheeler light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and four-wheeler light goods vehicles (LGVs) in the N1 category (up to 3.5 tonnes). It emphasised the induction of only electric or CNG vehicles. The relaxation aims to ease the shift to cleaner mobility. “As per the Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme, notified on Nov 21, 2023… targets for adoption of EVs in the new fleet of delivery service providers were stipulated as 25% and 50% for two and three-wheelers (for transporting goods) within one year and two years, respectively, from the date of notification of the scheme.

However, EV adoption in the new fleet in the case of two-wheelers is only 9% till now, as against the target of 50%,” CAQM said in its new order. The commission added that the reason for not achieving the target was the non-registration of an adequate number of gig workers with high-speed EV two-wheelers. CAQM said it had received many representations from aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities, as well as gig workers, highlighting their difficulties and requesting permission to continue the induction of petrol-run two-wheelers. “The commission in a meeting held on Dec 22 considered this matter and decided to allow the induction of BS-VI emission standard two-wheelers in the existing fleet of motor vehicle aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities up to Dec 31, 2026,” said the order. The commission, in an order in June, highlighted that the utilisation of vehicles by motor vehicle aggregators, delivery service providers and e-commerce entities, in terms of running kilometres, was quite high. “It is imperative to control vehicular pollution caused by these sectors by regulating further induction of only cleaner mode vehicles in their existing fleet,” it said.