Delhi Odd-Even Returns: Truckers Scramble for CNG Retrofits

As winter pollution levels spike and Delhi’s air quality dips into the severe zone, the Delhi government has revived the odd-even road rationing scheme—this time with a sharper focus on controlling commercial transport emissions. While private vehicles draw most public attention, the real scramble is unfolding in transport hubs across the NCR where truckers are rushing for CNG retrofits to stay compliant with city movement permits.

The reintroduction of odd-even norms has coincided with tightened enforcement for commercial vehicles, particularly older diesel trucks that fail to meet pollution benchmarks. This has created an urgent situation for operators who depend on daily city access for last-mile deliveries, waste transport, construction materials, and essential goods supply.

Why CNG Retrofits Are Suddenly in High Demand

The odd-even rule in Delhi is part of a wider winter action plan, where commercial diesel vehicles face additional scrutiny. For many truck owners—especially those running LCVs and small rigid trucks—retrofitting to CNG appears to be the fastest route to compliance.

Key reasons for the surge include:

• City permit restrictions increasingly favouring CNG and electric vehicles
• Higher penalties for diesel trucks during winter pollution contingencies
• Faster approval for CNG-compliant vehicles at city entry checkpoints
• Lower operational costs, with CNG offering significant savings per kilometre

Retrofitting centres across places like Mayapuri, Okhla, and Nangloi report footfalls doubling within days of the policy announcement. Workshops capable of handling commercial retrofits, especially for 2–3.5 tonne GVW vehicles, are operating at full capacity.

Operators Face Deadline Pressure and Compliance Hurdles

Truckers are racing against time. With access to Delhi now tied to adherence to winter pollution norms, many small fleet owners fear business disruption if they fail to complete retrofits quickly. Delays in acquiring certified kits and booking installation slots have added to the urgency.

Additionally, operators must navigate:

• Approval from authorised CNG retrofit centres
• Post-installation performance tests
• City entry permit renewal tied to the vehicle’s updated fuel category
• Financing challenges, especially for small operators managing seasonal income dips

Though the retrofitting process is straightforward, certification queues pose a new bottleneck. Many fleets worry that even after retrofits, inspection delays may prevent timely entry into critical delivery zones.

Impact on the Logistics and Transport Ecosystem

The ripple effect is noticeable across Delhi-NCR logistics. Aggregator platforms, last-mile delivery companies, and warehouse operators are pushing subcontractors to switch to compliant CNG trucks to avoid service disruptions.

Meanwhile, established fleet owners with larger operations are diversifying—integrating CNG, electric, and BS6 diesel options to maintain flexibility amid shifting regulations.

For Delhi, the renewed push for cleaner fuels aligns with long-term goals of reducing emissions from transport—the city’s biggest pollution contributor during winter months.

What This Means for the Future of Urban Freight Movement

The current retrofit rush highlights a structural transition in urban freight movement. While electric trucks are emerging, their slow adoption means CNG remains the bridge fuel for the next 3–5 years.

Delhi’s revived odd-even scheme has accelerated this shift, forcing even smaller operators to rethink fleet strategy. If winter pollution curbs become an annual feature—which now seems likely—CNG and EV adoption will no longer be optional but essential for uninterrupted city operations.