Heavy vehicles in Delhi to undergo retrofit with emission-reducing technology for trial period
Delhi Government Pilots Emission-Reducing Devices on Heavy Vehicles
In an effort to combat Delhi's persistent pollution problem, the Delhi government has initiated a pilot project to test retrofitting devices on heavy commercial vehicles. These devices, developed by Chakra Innovations Pvt. Ltd., are designed to reduce harmful emissions by more than 70%.
The retrofitting units take the form of catalytic converters, installed at the tail-end of the exhaust system. They target particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx)—key pollutants from diesel engines.
Field tests conducted on these devices have demonstrated impressive results. Over 9,000 kilometres of trials showed that the devices not only significantly cut emissions but also maintain low back-pressure, high durability, and self-regeneration capability.
The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) will act as the nodal agency, coordinating with various departments to identify Bharat Stage-III and Bharat Stage-IV government vehicles for retrofit. Thirty vehicles will be fitted with the devices, with technical validation to be carried out by either the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, or the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT).
If successful, this pilot could pave the way for large-scale deployment across Delhi and other high-pollution areas. The aim is to replace blanket bans with targeted, tech-driven solutions to reduce pollution without crippling livelihoods.
Heavy commercial vehicles are one of the biggest contributors to Delhi's winter smog, releasing a disproportionate share of PM2.5 and NOx emissions. The vehicles to be fitted with the devices are predominantly from the government and public sector fleet.
The decision is seen as a possible solution to the Commission for Air Quality Management's (CAQM) orders. The city of Delhi continues to battle pollution spikes during peak season, often worsened by transport activity.
Sirsa, a government official, mentioned that the increasing interest from innovators shows Delhi is now seen as a leader in implementing environmental technology. The government has been receiving interest from start-ups and manufacturers offering "science-backed" devices for testing in real-world conditions.
If the pilot proves successful, the retrofitting devices may be included in long-term plans, marking a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier Delhi.
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