Delhi’s air quality has dropped to hazardous levels as winter arrives, with AQI readings recently hitting 450+ in many areas, well above the safe limit. The capital’s air pollution is now primarily driven by vehicular emissions, which account for over 40% of total local particulate pollution.
Despite various measures, the surge in private vehicle ownership and continued growth of the city’s fleet—adding nearly 1,800 vehicles daily, means transport remains the largest source of PM2.5 emissions, responsible for nearly half of Delhi’s total PM2.5 load. Experts emphasize the urgent need for a decisive shift to electric vehicles, clean fuels, and improvements in public transport to reverse the worsening air quality trend and protect public health.
Speaking to Mr. Akshit Bansal, Founder & CEO, Statiq, on the rising pollution issue, he says, “Urban cities like Delhi are struggling with a pollution challenge, with vehicles being a primary contributor, accounting for greater than 40% of the overall pollution. This is a major problem affecting the entire industry and impacting the lives of millions every day. While switching to electric vehicles is a powerful solution to curb emissions, the key to mass adoption lies in achieving price parity. EVs must be as affordable as petrol and diesel vehicles for consumers to make the shift. Consumer behavior toward embracing EVs is essential, as it represents a move toward sustainable mobility that benefits public health and the environment. Governments and industries must collaborate to build stronger charging infrastructure and local manufacturing ecosystems. With the right incentives, technological innovation, and consumer awareness, India can accelerate its journey toward a cleaner and greener transport future. The transition to cleaner mobility solutions is urgent and requires coordinated efforts to enable this shift for a healthier future.”
Mr. Suyash Gupta, Director General of the Indian Auto LPG Coalition, said, “Delhi faces a serious challenge with rising air pollution, particularly during the winter months, when smog poses severe health risks. Addressing this requires a comprehensive strategy centered on promoting cleaner fuels, enforcing stricter emission norms, and encouraging public adoption of sustainable alternatives. Auto LPG is the most practical, affordable, and ready solution for urban transport, as it dramatically reduces harmful emissions while cutting running costs for vehicle owners and must be central to Delhi’s pollution strategy. Furthermore, converting existing petrol and diesel vehicles to LPG is a pragmatic, owner friendly measure that reduces lifetime emissions while protecting owners’ investments.
Auto LPG is already globally proven and used by almost 30 million vehicles in 70 countries. India has already built a strong base with almost 1,500 Auto LPG dispensing stations covering hundreds of cities, making rapid scale-up feasible and cost-effective. Promoting Auto LPG will lower urban emissions, ease health burdens on Delhi’s citizens, and deliver affordable mobility without compromising air quality targets.”
Mr. Jeet Chandan, Managing Director, BizDateUp, added, “As Delhi struggles once again with poor air quality, the conversation around clean mobility is becoming central to both policy and investment discussions. Venture capitalists today view EVs as more than a sustainability trend. They see them as a high-growth component of the broader climate-tech movement that can deliver both environmental and financial returns. The transport sector’s role in urban air pollution and emissions has made EVs a key lever in India’s decarbonization journey, supported by policy incentives and rising consumer awareness.
Across the venture ecosystem, there’s a visible shift toward building the full EV value chain, from advanced battery innovation and charging infrastructure to fleet electrification and smart mobility software. This is where long-term impact and profitability converge. At BizDateUp, nearly 60% of our portfolio is rooted in this ecosystem, reflecting a conviction that the future of sustainable growth lies in scalable, climate-resilient technologies emerging from India’s own innovation landscape.”
As Delhi continues to battle hazardous air quality, collective action from policymakers, industry, and citizens has become imperative. Accelerating the shift toward cleaner fuels, sustainable mobility, and responsible construction will be key to ensuring a healthier, greener future for the capital.
