Published : 24 October 2026
Read Time : 5 min
Author: Nikil Jonathan
The Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is a set of emergency measures designed to control air pollution in Delhi-NCR. It introduces stricter restrictions as air quality worsens, including curbs on older petrol and diesel cars, commercial goods vehicles and buses entering Delhi.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revised the GRAP schedule in September 2026. The updated rules extend restrictions on older cars to Sonipat, move certain bus-entry restrictions to Stage 1 and remove exemptions for specified older goods vehicles carrying essential commodities.
GRAP has 4 stages that are based on Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI). Here’s what each stage means for car owners and other road users.
Measures from earlier stages continue when a more severe stage is activated. Restrictions can be introduced proactively based on air-quality forecasts, so drivers should check the latest CAQM orders before travelling.
Stage 1 focuses on enforcing existing pollution rules and reducing emissions from road transport.
Key measures include:
Private cars and SUVs: There is no blanket GRAP Stage 1 ban on private cars based solely on their BS emission standard. However, existing restrictions on end-of-life vehicles and other applicable vehicle rules continue.
Buses: The applicable entry restrictions cover buses from NCR and adjoining states that do not meet the required emission or fuel criteria. Under the applicable GRAP rules, buses must run on electricity or CNG, or meet BS6 diesel emission standards, to enter Delhi under the specified provisions.
Goods vehicles: There is no blanket ban on all goods vehicles in GRAP Stage 1. Other applicable entry restrictions and transport rules continue to apply.
Stage 2 adds measures to discourage private vehicle use and reduce congestion.
Key measures include:
Private cars and SUVs: There is no blanket ban on private cars based only on their BS emission standard under Stage 2. The restrictions already applicable under Stage 1 continue.
For private motorists, Stage 2 mainly means higher parking costs and measures encouraging the use of public transport rather than a new general ban on cars.
Buses: The cleaner-vehicle entry requirements introduced under Stage 1 continue.
Goods vehicles: Stage 2 does not introduce a blanket ban on all goods vehicles. Any separate restrictions applicable to their category, fuel type or registration continue to apply.
Stage 3 introduces stricter restrictions on older passenger vehicles and certain commercial goods vehicles.
The revised schedule restricts the use of BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel or older-standard light motor vehicles (4-wheelers) in Delhi and 5 high-vehicle-density districts:
This means the restriction is not limited to Delhi. Drivers in these districts must also account for the Stage 3 rules when planning their journeys.
Stage 3 also restricts specified older goods vehicles:
These restrictions apply to the vehicle categories and locations specified in the schedule, rather than automatically banning every commercial vehicle.
BS3 petrol cars: Restricted in Delhi and the 5 high-vehicle-density districts listed above.
BS4 diesel cars: Restricted in the same areas.
BS6 petrol and diesel cars: Not covered by this particular Stage 3 restriction based on emission standard alone, although other applicable rules may still apply.
Electric and CNG cars: Not covered by this particular BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel restriction. Other applicable vehicle rules, such as end-of-life vehicle rules and possessing a valid PUC certificate continue to apply.
Goods vehicles: Certain diesel-operated BS4 and older-standard light and medium goods vehicles face restrictions, particularly when entering Delhi from outside the city.
The key point for car owners is that when GRAP Stage 3 is activated, BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel 4-wheelers face restrictions on plying in Delhi and the specified NCR districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Sonipat. However, vehicles specifically adapted for persons with disabilities and used for their personal transport are exempt under the relevant provision.
Stage 4 introduces additional restrictions on trucks and heavy goods vehicles entering or operating in Delhi. All applicable restrictions from Stages 1, 2 and 3 continue.
Key measures include:
State governments may also consider additional emergency measures, including an odd-even scheme, depending on the circumstances and applicable directions. However, such measures are not treated as automatically active whenever Stage 4 is imposed.
BS3 petrol and BS4 diesel cars: The Stage 3 restrictions continue in Delhi and the 5 specified high-vehicle-density districts.
BS6 petrol and diesel cars: These are not automatically banned under GRAP solely because Stage 4 is active. Any separate restriction or government order must still be followed.
Electric and CNG cars: These are not covered by the specific Stage 3 restrictions on older petrol and diesel cars. Other applicable rules remain in force.
Trucks: Entry restrictions apply, with exceptions for LNG, CNG, electric and BS6 diesel trucks under the relevant provision.
Older diesel heavy goods vehicles registered in Delhi: BS4 and older-standard vehicles face restrictions on plying in the city.
Stage 4 therefore does not automatically mean that all private cars are banned. Its additional vehicle restrictions primarily target trucks and heavy goods vehicles, while the specified older petrol and diesel car restrictions from Stage 3 remain in force.
GRAP restrictions can change as air quality improves or deteriorates. Before driving in Delhi-NCR, check the latest announcements and orders issued by CAQM:
https://caqm.nic.in/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Car owners should also:
You can check out the announcement regarding the revised GRAP schedule by clicking on the link below:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2316597&lang=2®=48&utm_source=chatgpt.com
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Content Writer
Nikil's a huge fan of classic cars, especially Italian beauties such as the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint and the Iso Grifo. His love for cars and bikes originated when he first laid his eyes on a poster of the Ferrari F40 and the MV Agusta F4 when he was just a child. He also loves all things analogue, especially vintage cameras and turntables.

























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