Delhi has initiated a pilot project to test catalytic converter-based retrofitting devices in government-owned BS III and BS IV vehicles, aiming to slash emissions by over 70 percent. The move, led by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), targets 30 vehicles for third-party testing in partnership with premier automotive research institutions. If successful, the initiative could pave the way for citywide adoption in the fight against toxic air pollution.
The pilot marks the first time Delhi will install catalytic converter retrofitting devices downstream of the exhaust system in public vehicles. According to officials, these devices have demonstrated significant reductions in particulate matter and other harmful pollutants during preliminary trials on older diesel and petrol engines. The technology is being evaluated in collaboration with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and the International Centre for Automotive Technology to ensure its effectiveness under real-world driving conditions. This decision comes in the wake of directives from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) restricting the entry of non-essential commercial vehicles, except those powered by BS VI, CNG, LNG, or electricity, into the national capital from November 1. Officials say retrofitting older fleets is essential to maintain mobility while meeting stringent air quality targets.
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The DPCC has been tasked with identifying suitable government and autonomous body vehicles, including those operated by departments like the Public Works Department, municipal corporations, the Delhi Jal Board, and the health department. The shortlisted vehicles will undergo rigorous performance assessments to measure pollutant reductions and operational reliability. Experts believe that tackling emissions from legacy vehicles is crucial to addressing one of Delhi’s most persistent environmental threats. While the city has made progress in shifting to cleaner fuels and electric mobility, a significant number of older BS III and BS IV vehicles remain in service, contributing disproportionately to nitrogen oxide and particulate pollution.
If the trial results are positive, the retrofit programme could be scaled across multiple agencies and potentially replicated in other polluted urban centres in India. This approach, officials note, offers a cost-effective alternative to immediate vehicle replacement, enabling gradual fleet upgrades without compromising essential public and utility services. While environmental advocates welcome the innovation, they caution that retrofitting should be part of a broader strategy that includes stringent enforcement of vehicular emission standards, expansion of public transport, and acceleration of electric vehicle adoption. For now, the success of the Delhi pilot could serve as a benchmark for cities seeking practical, affordable, and technically viable solutions to the challenge of vehicular pollution.
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Delhi launches pilot to retrofit BS III IV vehicles for cleaner air
