GRAP Stage 3 in Delhi-NCR: Status, Rules & Vehicle Ban Today
Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) is enforced when Delhi's average AQI reaches 401–450 ('Severe'). Invokes strict vehicle bans on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars, a blanket ban on non-essential construction and demolition, and shifts primary schools to online/hybrid classes.
Key Rules at a Glance (GRAP Stage 3)
Vehicle Restrictions: STRICT BAN: BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel 4-wheelers are prohibited from plying in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida/Greater Noida). Inter-state diesel buses not complying with BS-VI standards are barred from entering Delhi. Violations attract an instant ₹20,000 challan.
Violation Penalty: Mandatory ₹20,000 fine under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for driving a banned BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel car in restricted NCR districts.
Construction Status: COMPLETE BAN on all non-essential construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR. Earthwork, excavation, demolition, structural steel erection, and concrete batching are halted. Only critical public infrastructure (metro, railway, healthcare, defense) is exempt.
Schools & Workplaces: State governments (Delhi, Haryana, UP) generally mandate online classes for primary school children (up to Grade 5) to shield young lungs from hazardous particulate matter.
Permitted vs. Prohibited Activities Under GRAP Stage 3
Detailed breakdown of what is allowed versus banned across Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad during this stage.
Allowed / Permitted Activities
Fully permitted to drive across Delhi and all NCR districts.
Permitted without any restrictions or challans.
Exempted: Delhi Metro, Indian Railways, national highways, defense, and public healthcare facilities.
Non-dust generating interior work like carpentry, electrical wiring, plumbing, and painting inside enclosed spaces is allowed.
Prohibited / Banned Activities
Strictly banned from plying anywhere in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. Penalty: ₹20,000.
Strictly banned from plying in Delhi-NCR (except vehicles used for police, emergency, and essential services). Penalty: ₹20,000.
Inter-state diesel buses below BS-VI standards are blocked at Delhi borders.
Total halt on private residential/commercial building construction, excavation, drilling, and stone crushing.
All industrial facilities not operating on piped natural gas (PNG) or clean biomass fuels are sealed.
Vehicular Regulations & Fines
Motor Vehicles Act enforcement
STRICT BAN: BS-III Petrol and BS-IV Diesel 4-wheelers are prohibited from plying in Delhi, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddh Nagar (Noida/Greater Noida). Inter-state diesel buses not complying with BS-VI standards are barred from entering Delhi. Violations attract an instant ₹20,000 challan.
Challan & Penalty:
Mandatory ₹20,000 fine under Section 194(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 for driving a banned BS-III petrol or BS-IV diesel car in restricted NCR districts.
Construction & Demolition (C&D)
Dust and excavation curbs
COMPLETE BAN on all non-essential construction and demolition activities across Delhi-NCR. Earthwork, excavation, demolition, structural steel erection, and concrete batching are halted. Only critical public infrastructure (metro, railway, healthcare, defense) is exempt.
Exempted Infrastructure Projects:
- BS-VI compliant petrol and diesel 4-wheelers
- All Electric Vehicles (EVs) and CNG-powered private cars and taxis
- Vehicles deployed for emergency services, police, fire, ambulance, and disaster response
Citizen Advisory & Health Recommendations
Medical specialists urge vulnerable populations (children, senior citizens, and patients with asthma or heart conditions) to exercise special caution during GRAP Stage 3 conditions:
- •Check your vehicle's registration certificate (RC) to confirm whether your fuel/BS rating is BS-VI before driving.
- •Commute via Delhi Metro or CNG buses to bypass vehicular checkpoints.
- •Wear N95/N99 particulate filtration masks when stepping outdoors.
- •Run indoor air purifiers with true HEPA filtration to maintain indoor AQI below 50.
Frequently Asked Questions About GRAP Stage 3
Clear answers to the most common queries regarding GRAP Stage 3 restrictions, vehicle penalties, and compliance in Delhi-NCR.
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