FADA Delhi urges review of BS VI CNG three-wheeler registration rules in NCR

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations’ Delhi chapter has urged the Commission for Air Quality Management to reconsider the proposed restriction on registering new BS-VI and OBD-II-compliant CNG three-wheelers in the Delhi-NCR. In a June 11, 2026, representation, the body said the move could weaken air-quality gains while disrupting affordable last-mile mobility and dealership investments.

FADA Delhi said it supports the clean-air agenda and has backed every major emission transition but argued that the latest policy would block cleaner vehicles while allowing older, more polluting three-wheelers to stay on the road. The association called for a scrappage-linked renewal model, category-neutral treatment for clean fuel vehicles, and a milestone-based phaseout plan instead of a fixed January 1, 2027, trigger.

Five Concerns Raised by FADA

The letter, signed by Delhi Chapter State Chairperson Shailender Luthra, laid out five key concerns for the regulator. First, FADA said CNG is already a government-backed clean fuel success story, and BS-VI / OBD-II three-wheelers represent the cleanest current version of that ecosystem.

Second, it described an “environmental paradox” in which no existing three-wheelers would be removed from the road, while older BS-IV and earlier models would continue operating and aging further. Third, it warned that the restriction could hurt the last-mile mobility network used by middle- and low-income commuters and affect about 1,00,000 auto-rickshaw permit holders, along with dealers, financiers, and fleet operators.

Investment and Policy Certainty

FADA Delhi also argued that dealers and OEMs have already invested in BS-VI / OBD-II inventory and service infrastructure and trained manpower on the understanding that compliant vehicles would remain registrable. According to the letter, a retrospective restriction would undermine regulatory certainty and run against the Ease of Doing Business and Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.

The chapter said the cleaner solution is accelerated scrappage of BS-IV and older three-wheelers, to be replaced by BS-VI/OBD-II CNG or electric three-wheelers under a structured incentive system. It said this approach would deliver measurable air-quality benefits without disrupting affordable mobility.

What Does FADA Want?

In its prayer to CAQM, FADA Delhi asked the regulator to reconsider the restriction, ensure uniform treatment for all clean-fuel vehicle classes, and introduce a structured Scrappage-Linked 3W Renewal Scheme. It also urged adoption of the milestone-linked L5 phaseout recommendation from its April 28, 2026, representation.

The association said it remains committed to working with the authorities on cleaner air while protecting the 3W ecosystem and the livelihoods linked to it. It added that it would welcome the chance to discuss the recommendations further with the department.

CarBike 360 Says

FADA Delhi’s appeal underscores the need for a balanced policy that supports both environmental goals and industry sustainability. Revisiting the BS VI CNG three-wheeler restrictions could help safeguard livelihoods, stabilize dealership operations, and promote cleaner mobility. A collaborative approach between regulators and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping practical, forward-looking transport policies for Delhi-NCR.