End-Of-Life Vehicles Will Not Be Impounded As Delhi Govt Puts EOL Policy On Hold Amid Backlash

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 17:17 IST

The Delhi government paused the End-of-Life vehicle impounding policy due to public backlash and technical flaws, including non-functional ANPR cameras and data integration issues.

The rule is effective from July 1. (representative image)

Amid growing public concern, the Delhi government has put the End-of-Life (EOL) vehicle impounding policy on hold, just two days after its implementation.

The move comes after widespread backlash from residents and criticism from opposition leaders over a lack of preparedness and technical flaws in the enforcement infrastructure.

Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa on Thursday announced that old vehicles will not be impounded in the national capital. “Delhi Chief Minister has assured residents that old vehicles will not be impounded arbitrarily. We will not allow old vehicles to be impounded. At the same time, we are committed to controlling pollution in Delhi," Sirsa added.

He added, “Delhi residents are already facing issues regarding End-of-Life Vehicles. The government has written to the Chairman of CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management) and stated that it lacks the necessary infrastructure to implement the policy."

Sirsa claimed that the ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras are not working properly, loudspeakers are malfunctioning, and there is no coordination with vehicle data across Delhi-NCR. He further stated, “There are several technical glitches, and the government has no real-time system in place to notify citizens about their vehicles being marked as EOL."

In its letter to the CAQM Chairman, the Delhi government acknowledged the infrastructure gaps, citing non-functional ANPR cameras, faulty loudspeakers, and a lack of data integration across regions. Sirsa also mentioned that the government is developing a system to inform vehicle owners in advance if their vehicles fall under the EOL category.

“Until proper systems are in place, impounding should not proceed," Sirsa said, adding that only CAQM can officially decide on whether the policy should be withdrawn or paused.

The policy, aimed at phasing out old and polluting vehicles to curb air pollution in the capital, now remains in limbo as stakeholders await further directions from CAQM.

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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