Diesel Autorickshaws Banned In Noida, Ghaziabad; UP Plans Full NCR Phase-Out By 2025

Diesel autorickshaws have been officially banned in Noida and Ghaziabad as the Uttar Pradesh government begins implementing a phased prohibition across the state's National Capital Region (NCR) districts to reduce vehicular emissions and improve air quality. Officials confirmed the move on Saturday, stating that it forms a key part of a broader pollution-control strategy as air pollution levels continue to rise in the region.

The state government has introduced a detailed action plan aimed at combating pollution sources, with road dust identified as a major contributor to deteriorating air quality. The plan focuses on large-scale road redevelopment, enhanced dust-suppression systems and intensified cleanliness drives to minimise particulate matter. These steps are expected to play a crucial role in improving environmental conditions across the NCR districts.

As part of this strategy, the government has enforced an immediate and complete ban on diesel autorickshaws in Gautam Buddha Nagar and Ghaziabad, two of the most urbanised districts in western Uttar Pradesh. Authorities emphasise that removing diesel-based autos from these high-traffic zones will help significantly cut local emissions.

The phased ban will soon extend to other NCR districts in Uttar Pradesh. Notably, Baghpat district is set to implement a full ban on diesel autorickshaws after December 31, 2025, giving local transport operators time to transition to cleaner alternatives such as CNG or electric vehicles. The government has not yet outlined subsidy measures or replacement assistance but is expected to encourage a shift toward greener mobility options.

To ensure policy compliance, the Meerut Regional Transport Authority has already stopped issuing new permits and renewing existing ones for diesel autorickshaws. This measure is intended to ensure that no additional diesel autos enter operation as the phase-out progresses.

The state government maintains that these steps are essential to bring pollution levels under control and align with broader NCR-wide environmental directives. With Delhi and surrounding regions struggling under severe air quality pressures each winter, Uttar Pradesh's action plan aims to reduce emissions at the district level and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for residents living in and around the NCR.