The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) officially revoked GRAP Stage-4 restrictions across Delhi-NCR late on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, after the city's average Air Quality Index (AQI) improved from "Severe+" (>450) to "Very Poor" (378). While the ban on the entry of trucks and construction of linear public projects has been lifted, strict GRAP Stage-3 measures remain in force.
For commuters, this is the critical fine print: BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel cars are still banned from plying in Delhi and NCR districts. The rollback of Stage 4 does not mean a free-for-all; the ₹20,000 penalty for driving these restricted vehicles is still active, catching many unaware drivers off guard at border checkpoints today.
The Context (How We Got Here)
- The Trigger: On January 17, 2026, Delhi’s AQI breached the 450 mark ("Severe+"), triggering emergency curbs including a ban on trucks and offline primary schools.
- The Relief: Stronger surface winds (>15 kmph) on January 19-20 helped disperse pollutants, bringing the AQI down to 410 and eventually stabilizing at 378.
- The Current Status: The capital has shifted down to Stage 3 (Severe) protocols. This prioritizes vehicular restrictions and dust control over the total industrial shutdowns seen under Stage 4.
The Key Players (Who & So What)
- CAQM (Commission for Air Quality Management): The decision-making body. They cited the "disruptive nature" of Stage 4 on supply chains as a key reason for the quick revocation, aiming to restart the flow of essential goods.
- Gopal Rai (Delhi Environment Minister): The enforcer. His ministry will oversee the continued enforcement of the BS-III/BS-IV ban, which remains the biggest pain point for daily commuters.
- Delhi Truck Operators Union: The beneficiaries. Thousands of trucks stranded at Singhu and Tikri borders since Jan 17 have begun entering the city, easing supply chain bottlenecks for vegetables and industrial raw materials.
The BIGSTORY Reframe (The "Stage 3 Trap")
The revocation of Stage 4 is widely being misread as a "Green Signal." The real story is the Confusion Trap.
- The False Start: Commuters hear "Ban Lifted" and assume their older cars are road-legal again. They are not. The shift from Stage 4 to Stage 3 only liberates Trucks and Construction Giants (who can resume linear projects like highways).
- The Middle-Class Squeeze: For the private car owner, nothing has changed. Your BS-IV diesel car is just as illegal today as it was yesterday. The rollback is an economic decision to save supply chains, not a relief measure for private transport.
The Implications (Why This Matters)
- Construction Restart: Public infrastructure projects (like the Dwarka Expressway and Metro expansion) can resume immediately. While this prevents project delays, it risks a sudden spike in dust pollution , potentially pushing the AQI back into the "Severe" zone.
- School Confusion: While the central mandate for closing schools is gone, Stage 3 leaves the decision to state governments. Most private schools are reopening for Class 6 upwards, but parents of primary schoolers remain in a "Hybrid Mode" limbo until specific state orders clarify the stance.
The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)
If our air quality strategy relies entirely on wind speed rather than policy impact, are we managing pollution, or just waiting for the weather to save us?
FAQs
- Is GRAP 4 revoked in Delhi as of Jan 21, 2026? Yes, the CAQM revoked GRAP Stage 4 late on January 20, 2026, after the AQI improved to the "Very Poor" category. However, Stage 3 restrictions remain fully active.
- Are BS-IV diesel cars allowed in Delhi now? No. Under the continuing GRAP Stage 3, the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers remains strictly enforced in Delhi and NCR districts (Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar). Violators face a ₹20,000 penalty.
- Are schools reopening in Delhi after GRAP 4 revocation? The mandatory closure order under Stage 4 is lifted. Most schools are reopening for Class 6 and above. For primary classes (Nursery to Class 5), schools may still offer hybrid/online options under Stage 3 protocols, subject to Delhi Government orders.
- Can trucks enter Delhi now? Yes. The ban on the entry of medium and heavy goods vehicles (trucks) into Delhi has been lifted with the revocation of Stage 4.
- Is construction allowed in Delhi now? Partial yes. Construction of "linear public projects" (highways, roads, flyovers, metro lines) is now permitted. However, non-essential private construction (like painting, boring, digging) remains restricted under Stage 3.
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Brajesh Mishra
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