Haryana bans new petrol, diesel vehicle additions to cab aggregator fleet in NCR

Haryana has approved a new regulatory framework for cab aggregators that will prohibit the addition of new petrol and diesel vehicles to aggregator fleets operating in NCR districts. The Cabinet decision, cleared on Monday, aligns the state with directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and introduces stricter licensing, safety and insurance requirements for app-based mobility operators.

Petrol and diesel additions barred

Under the revised rules, all new vehicles added by aggregators, delivery platforms and e-commerce operators in Haryana’s NCR region must run on CNG, electricity, battery power or other cleaner fuels. The Cabinet also approved a separate provision restricting future additions of three-wheeler auto-rickshaws in NCR fleets to only CNG or electric models.

The rules were approved under amendments to the Haryana Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The state government said the move is aimed at lowering vehicular pollution and supporting cleaner transport across NCR districts.

The decision follows CAQM directions issued in June last year, which stated that no new petrol or diesel-powered vehicles can be inducted into fleets operated by aggregators, delivery companies and e-commerce firms in Delhi-NCR.

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Licensing and safety norms tightened

Haryana has also introduced a broader compliance framework for app-based transport operators through the substitution of Rule 86A of the Haryana Motor Vehicles Rules, 1993. The revised rules make licences mandatory for aggregators and delivery service providers operating in the state.

The framework includes onboarding rules for drivers and vehicles, fare regulation, passenger grievance systems, refresher training programmes and cybersecurity compliance for aggregator apps.

Operators will be required to provide insurance coverage of at least ₹5 lakh for passengers, ₹5 lakh health insurance for drivers and term insurance worth ₹10 lakh for onboarded drivers.

Vehicles covered under the rules must also be equipped with vehicle tracking devices, panic buttons, first-aid kits and fire extinguishers where applicable. Aggregators will additionally have to maintain 24×7 control rooms and passenger support centres.

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Digital compliance system

The state will use VAHAN and SARATHI portals for digital verification of driver and vehicle details. Aggregators and delivery platforms must also maintain digital records of their fleets and onboarded drivers.

The Haryana government said applications for registration and licensing will be processed through the ‘Clean Mobility Haryana Transport’ portal.

(With inputs from PTI)

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