Fuel Denied, Pollution Defied: Delhi’s AI Crackdown on Old Vehicles Begins

In a bold move to combat air pollution, the Delhi government has rolled out a citywide ban on refuelling End-of-Life (EOL) vehicles—diesel vehicles over 10 years old and petrol ones over 15—starting July 1. The crackdown is powered by AI-enabled Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras installed at nearly 500 fuel stations across the capital.

 

These smart cameras instantly scan license plates and cross-check vehicle age with the VAHAN database. If flagged as EOL, the vehicle is denied fuel on the spot. Petrol pump staff are required to log each denial and alert enforcement teams. Violators face fines of ₹10,000 for four-wheelers and ₹5,000 for two-wheelers, with the added risk of vehicle impoundment.

 

The initiative, led by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), is being enforced by a joint task force comprising Delhi Police, the Transport Department, and MCD officials. Over 350 fuel stations are under active surveillance, with traffic police and enforcement squads deployed to ensure compliance.

 

This policy aligns with the 2018 Supreme Court and 2014 NGT rulings banning overage vehicles in Delhi. Authorities estimate over 62 lakh EOL vehicles are still on the roads. The crackdown will expand to NCR cities like Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad by April 2026.

 

The move is part of Delhi’s broader push toward cleaner air, alongside EV adoption and public transport upgrades. Citizens are urged to verify their vehicle’s registration status and avoid penalties.

 

Key Highlights:

 

- AI cameras block fuel for overage vehicles

- ₹10,000 fine for cars, ₹5,000 for two-wheelers

- 500+ fuel stations under surveillance

- NCR-wide rollout by April 2026

 

Sources: Telangana Today, Times Now, MSN News