BS-VI Vehicle
Why in news?
Delhi has imposed strict restrictions on non-BS-VI vehicles entering the city starting December 18, 2025, as part of measures to combat severe air pollution under GRAP stages III and IV. Only BS-VI compliant vehicles from outside Delhi are permitted, while Delhi-registered vehicles can operate regardless of standards, though those without valid PUC certificates face fuel denial.
Background
- Bharat Stage (BS) norms regulate vehicular emissions in India, modeled on European standards.
- Introduced in 2000 as “India 2000”; BS-IV in 2017; BS-VI leapfrogged directly from BS-IV to BS-VI in April 2020.
- BS-VI is equivalent to Euro-VI norms.
Key Features of BS-VI Norms
- Sulphur content in fuel: Reduced from 50 ppm (BS-IV) to 10 ppm (BS-VI).
- Emission reduction:
- Diesel vehicles emit 70% less NOx.
- Petrol vehicles emit 25% less NOx.
- Particulate matter (PM): Reduced by 80% in diesel vehicles.
- On-board diagnostics (OBD): Mandatory for real-time monitoring.
- Real Driving Emission (RDE) tests: Introduced in BS6 Phase-2 (2025).
Significance
- Environmental: Helps combat India’s severe air pollution crisis (12.5% of deaths linked to air pollution).
- Health: Reduces respiratory diseases, especially among children.
- Economic: Pushes automobile industry towards cleaner technology, though increases vehicle cost.
- Governance: Reflects India’s commitment to Paris Climate Agreement and sustainable development goals.
Challenges
- Higher vehicle costs due to advanced technology.
- Fuel infrastructure upgrades needed nationwide.
- Sudden bans (like in Delhi) disrupt commuters and raise equity concerns.
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