Delhi: Ban on diesel cars with engines over 2,000cc extended

In December 2015, the registration of diesel cars with engines larger than 2,000cc was banned in Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) till March 31, 2016 by the Supreme Court. Now, the apex court has decided to extend the ban further.

The ban was imposed citing the rising levels of pollution in the Delhi and NCR. Manufacturers such as Mahindra, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota moved to court to protect their businesses. But, after a hearing in January 2016, the Supreme Court upheld its ruling.

The ban had a big impact on sales of vehicles from major players such as Mahindra and Toyota, whose diesel utility vehicles account for most of their total sales. Mahindra worked its way around the ban by introducing a smaller diesel engine for the Scorpio and XUV500. Tata and Toyota are still unable to sell their utility vehicles in Delhi.

The Supreme Court has also given an extension of one month for all taxis in the NCR to convert to CNG.

Source: India Today