5-km traffic jams near Delhi-Gurugram border as vehicle entry ban takes effect

New Delhi: Commuters faced long delays on National Highway-48 on Sunday morning as vehicle checks near Sarhaul toll plaza caused traffic jams stretching up to 5 km. The checks began as Delhi’s winter restrictions on the entry of certain vehicles registered outside the capital took effect. The congestion affected the flyover from Shankar Chowk, the main carriageway and the service lane. Vehicles queued near the Delhi-Gurugram border as personnel checked whether they met the entry requirements.

Checks slow border traffic

According to Gurugram traffic police, around 50 personnel from the traffic police and Haryana Police were deployed at the site to inspect vehicles. Officials also reported queues extending nearly a kilometre on the Gurugram side of the border. They expected traffic disruptions to continue through the day because of the checks.

The congestion affected several parts of the highway approach, with queues on both the main road and the service lane. Commuters travelling towards Delhi faced delays as the restrictions came into force on Sunday morning.

Which vehicles face restrictions?

The Delhi government has barred petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi from entering the capital if they fall below BS-VI emission standards. The restrictions took effect on November 1 and will remain in place until January 31 next year. They cover non-Delhi vehicles that fail to meet the prescribed standard, including BS-III and BS-IV vehicles registered in Gurugram.

The ban also covers light, medium and heavy goods vehicles that do not meet the requirements. Vehicle registration and emission standards determine whether the curbs apply. The restrictions described under this measure apply to vehicles registered outside Delhi.

CNG and EVs exempt

CNG and electric vehicles can enter Delhi under the policy. Vehicles that comply with BS-VI emission standards are also exempt from the entry ban.

The Delhi government introduced the seasonal restrictions to reduce pollution during winter and improve air quality in the capital.

The border checks put the policy into effect on a busy route between Gurugram and Delhi. Traffic officials expected the checks to affect vehicle movement through the day as personnel enforced the new entry rules.