Delhi pollution curbs boost demand for CNG, BS-6 vehicles amid wedding rush

Delhi Pollution: The implementation of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), banning BS-3 and BS-4 diesel vehicles, has disrupted travel and transportation, significantly affecting those involved in the wedding business due to Delhi Pollution.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced GRAP-IV measures after Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) entered the ‘severe’ category on Sunday.

Effective from 8 AM Monday, the restrictions target pollution from older diesel vehicles but have led to unforeseen challenges.

Travel agencies are experiencing a surge in demand for BS-6 and CNG vehicles, such as Ertiga, Innova, and traveller buses, as they struggle to fulfil prior commitments.

“The wedding season has intensified the issue. Many vehicles were booked months in advance, and this sudden ban forced us to make last-minute arrangements,” said Sewak Tuar, a travel agency owner.

Tuar added that arranging petrol, CNG, and BS-6 compliant vehicles has been particularly challenging due to the heavy demand from weddings and transportation needs.

Aryan Sinha, another travel agency operator, echoed similar concerns, citing problems for families planning trips to destinations like Manali, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh, in addition to weddings.

“Weddings often require 10 to 15 vehicles for several days. Managing this demand is tough as we must ensure vehicles meet the required standards,” Sinha said.

He noted that vehicles like CNG buses and BS-6 models, especially those manufactured after 2020, are in high demand.

Tourism has also been impacted, with families booking trips to hill stations due to worsening pollution.

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“This is peak wedding season, and many families are organising destination weddings or large gatherings that require bulk vehicle bookings. Adjusting to these commitments has been both costly and disruptive,” said Rajesh Kumar, another travel agency owner.

Kumar highlighted the financial strain caused by the shortage, noting that a significant portion of their fleet comprises BS-3 and BS-4 vehicles now rendered inoperable. To meet the demand, many agencies have been forced to rent compliant vehicles, increasing costs.

Delhi’s AQI, which worsened on Monday and Tuesday by crossing 450 into the ‘severe-plus’ category, showed slight improvement on Wednesday but remains in the ‘severe’ range.

GRAP, which categorises air quality into four stages, defines Stage 4 as ‘severe plus’ for AQI levels above 450, while Stage 3 covers ‘severe’ levels of 401-450.

With schools closed due to pollution, many families are opting for trips to hill stations. Dharamveer Singh from Kusha Travels in Pushp Vihar reported that three to four families are booking travel packages daily for three to four-day trips.

“Destinations like Manali, Mussoorie, and Shimla are popular choices, with vehicles being booked for several days, exacerbating the shortage,” Singh said.

As of 9 AM, Delhi recorded an AQI of 376, according to CPCB data. The weather department has forecast shallow fog during the day.

(With inputs from PTI)