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The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has raised concerns over heavy congestion at municipal toll plazas across Delhi NCR and said that immediate implementation of barrier-free tolling is necessary to reduce vehicular emissions. At its recent full commission meeting, the panel reviewed a report submitted to the Supreme Court and stressed the adoption of RFID and Automatic Number Plate Recognition systems to ensure seamless traffic flow. It also approved 46 new air quality monitoring stations and examined long-term pollution trends, highlighting the need for coordinated regional action.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has stated that congestion at municipal corporation toll plazas in the Delhi-NCR region continues to add significantly to vehicular emissions and requires immediate corrective action. During its recent full commission meeting, the panel reviewed a detailed report submitted before the Supreme Court on traffic bottlenecks at key border points. Advertisement
The commission noted that vehicles often idle for long periods at toll plazas, leading to unnecessary fuel consumption and higher emissions. It stressed that transitioning to barrier-free tolling systems is essential to ensure smoother vehicle movement. According to the panel, integration of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technologies with Multi-Lane Free Flow systems would help remove physical stoppages and ease congestion at entry and exit points of the capital.
The issue of toll plaza congestion has been under scrutiny for some time, especially during peak pollution months when vehicular emissions form a major share of local pollution. CAQM has earlier issued directions on transport-related emission control measures, including stricter enforcement of Pollution Under Control norms and restrictions during severe air quality episodes. The latest push for seamless tolling is seen as a structural intervention aimed at long-term improvement rather than temporary restrictions.
In addition to transport measures, the commission reviewed a meta-analysis of source apportionment studies conducted over the past decade across Delhi and the wider NCR. The analysis reaffirmed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remains the dominant pollutant affecting the region. It pointed out that pollution levels are influenced by both local emission sources such as vehicles, construction dust and industry, as well as transboundary contributions from neighbouring states.
To strengthen scientific monitoring, CAQM approved the establishment of 46 new Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations across Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. With this addition, the total number of such stations in the NCR will rise to 157. The expanded network is expected to improve real-time tracking of pollution trends and support data-based policymaking.
The commission also emphasised the need for sustained and coordinated enforcement across sectors including transport, industry, dust control, waste management and biomass burning. It stated that technological upgrades, infrastructure reforms and strict compliance must work together to deliver consistent improvement in air quality across the region.
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