Delhi vehicle curbs drive CNG conversion rush across NCR; demand jumps up to 50%

The restrictions on older vehicles entering Delhi have triggered a surge in demand for CNG conversions across Noida, Ghaziabad and Gurugram, with installation centres reporting a jump of up to 50 per cent in enquiries and bookings. Many vehicle owners are opting to convert their existing petrol cars rather than spend on buying newer, BS-VI-compliant vehicles.The restrictions, which came into effect on November 1 and will remain in force until January 31, 2027, bar vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards from entering the national capital. The curbs cover BS-IV and older petrol and diesel vehicles, while CNG and electric vehicles, along with specified emergency vehicles, are exempt.For residents of Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and neighbouring areas who commute to Delhi for work, education and other purposes, the restrictions have prompted a rethink of their daily travel arrangements.CNG INSTALLERS REPORT UP TO 50% RISE IN DEMANDShakti Singh, a car expert associated with a CNG installation venture in Sector 122, Noida, told India Today that demand had increased by more than 50 per cent in the 15 days following the restrictions. With conversion costs starting at around Rs 35,000, CNG installation has emerged as a relatively affordable alternative, particularly for middle-class families with a single small car. Singh said concerns over pollution and a desire to contribute towards cleaner air were also prompting some customers to make the switch.The trend is equally visible in Ghaziabad. A local installer said the establishment had converted four to five vehicles in just two to three days, compared with the usual four to five installations in an entire week. Yatin Bansal of Car Craft in Sector 83, Noida, said daily calls and enquiries about CNG installations had risen by nearly 50 per cent. Several customers who had initially sought information were now returning to schedule appointments and enquire about registration formalities.According to Bansal, conversion costs generally range from Rs 35,000 to Rs 50,000 for BS-IV vehicles, while installations in BS-VI vehicles can cost between Rs 50,000 and Rs 70,000. Most enquiries are coming from middle-class vehicle owners who cite the New Delhi entry restrictions as the primary reason for considering conversion.A CNG installer in Ghaziabad also reported receiving nearly 20 calls a day over the past two to three days, with customers seeking information about costs, documentation, registration and installation procedures.POLLUTION SEASON ADDS TO THE RUSHThe increase in demand is not limited to Noida and Ghaziabad. An installer in Karnal reported a 25-30 per cent rise in installations, alongside more calls from customers who had made enquiries earlier.Deshraj of RB Autos, who has been in the CNG installation business for 20 years, said enquiries had increased significantly since the restrictions came into force on November 1. While installation centres typically see a seasonal rise in demand during the winter pollution months, the surge appeared more pronounced this year.He said a similar trend had been witnessed last year as well, but more vehicle owners were approaching installation centres this time, with the latest restrictions adding to their concerns.DELHI ENTRY CURBS ADD TO COMMUTERS' WOESThe restrictions come amid deteriorating air quality in Delhi, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) has crossed 400 during recent spells of pollution, entering the severe category.The enforcement of the new rules has also led to long queues at several Delhi-NCR border crossings, where vehicles are being checked for compliance. Bumper-to-bumper traffic and extended waiting periods have added to the difficulties of people travelling to the capital.Office-goers, parents dropping children at schools in Delhi and other daily commuters from neighbouring cities have been among those affected, with some reporting hours-long waits at entry points.WHAT ARE BS EMISSION NORMS?The Bharat Stage (BS) emission standards regulate the amount of pollutants vehicles can release. BS-IV norms were first introduced in Delhi-NCR and 13 other major cities in April 2010 before becoming mandatory for new vehicles across the country in April 2017.India subsequently skipped BS-V and moved directly to BS-VI, which introduced stricter emission limits. The BS-VI standards came into force nationwide on April 1, 2020.- EndsWith PTI inputs