Study Finds 16,900 Trucks Enter Delhi Daily Causing 61 Percent Of Night Emissions
A new study released on Monday in New Delhi has revealed that nearly 16,900 heavy-duty trucks enter the capital city daily. These vehicles contribute 23 percent of Delhi's everyday transport emissions, with their share rising significantly to 61 percent during the night and early morning hours.
The study, titled "Towards Cleaner Freight in Delhi: Assessing Interstate Truck Emissions and Mitigation Strategies," was conducted jointly by the Air Pollution Action Group (A-PAG), IIT-Delhi, and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).
To compile the report, researchers collected extensive data from 25 toll plazas located in and around Delhi. The methodology incorporated Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) records, traffic volume counts, axle-load surveys, and direct interviews with more than 4,000 truck drivers. The researchers also performed real-world emissions testing using the Versatile Source Sampling System, which is an in-house portable emissions monitoring system.
The findings detailed the daily environmental impact of these vehicles, showing that interstate trucks emit roughly 52 kilograms of PM2.5, 3 tonnes of nitrogen oxides (NOx), and 2.5 tonnes of carbon monoxide as primary pollutants each day in the capital.
According to the study, the broader transport sector is responsible for 18 percent to 24 percent of the PM2.5 concentrations in Delhi. Within this sector, freight vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks, account for a disproportionate share of the total emissions. The researchers pointed to the heavy use of diesel, ageing fleet profiles, and high operational intensity as the primary drivers behind these high emission levels.
As a mitigation strategy, the study suggested that phasing out pre-BS-VI trucks by the year 2027 could significantly clean up the air. Implementing this phase-out could reduce the PM2.5 emissions specifically coming from these interstate trucks by 51 percent.
