Delhi Truck Ban Under GRAP-4: How it impacts transportation, supply of goods and everyday lives

As the air quality of Delhi slides into the "severe" category, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has instituted GRAP-4 restrictions-the most stringent phase under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)-which limits the Air Quality Index (AQI) to hazardous levels of 457. Delhi-NCR is facing the environmental crisis in the wake of the AQI. Some of these restrictions include truck bans and will greatly affect the city's transport systems and supply of essentials.

Effects on Transport Means and Supplies

Entry is restricted for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and trollies, under GRAP-4. But those carrying essential commodities or providing vital services such as food and medicines will be allowed to enter the city. Only LNG, CNG, electric, and BS-VI diesel trucks are exempt from the complete ban. The move is said to curb pollution from high-emission vehicles but raises logistic and supply chain concerns in Delhi.

The truck ban will stall delivery of goods, especially by companies that rely on heavy trucks for distribution. Food, medicine, and other everyday things may run late because access by the trucks will be limited. The business will have to do new modifications, whereby different transport will be used, for instance, small clean vehicles which will cost much more to use and hassle even more.

Effect on Public Transport and Traffic Congestion

With fewer trucks on the road, Delhi’s public transport system may struggle to accommodate the additional traffic from commuters. The increased volume of private vehicles could lead to further congestion, making daily travel more time-consuming. The government may need to increase the frequency of buses and metro services to manage the rising demand.

While GRAP-4 hopes to help cut down on pollution, it is equally demanding for commuters in Delhi. With fewer trucks plying on Delhi streets, public transport might take the worst hits in traffic again, impacting the daily routines of thousands of commuters.

The Road Ahead for Delhi

As from November 20, when GRAP-4 comes into operation, there is already a great need for additional prevention measures- people in particular to take extra precautionary measures with specific emphasis on pre-existing health conditions. Based on the current scenario, more stringent measures may also be initiated if the air quality continues to worsen. Although this truck ban and traffic restrictions under GRAP-4 are concrete measures to curb pollution, they attract attention toward the urgent requirement of a long-term solution to this air quality crisis over Delhi.

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