Supreme Court ends decade-old exemption for trucks entering Delhi
The Supreme Court just ended a decade-old rule that let trucks carrying essential goods skip the environment compensation cess (ECC) when entering Delhi.
Now, every commercial vehicle—no matter what it's transporting—will have to pay the ECC.
The move is meant to cut down on traffic jams and pollution at city borders, making things smoother for everyone.
The court says the extra cost per kilo of essentials
This change is all about cleaner air and less chaos at Delhi's entry points.
Before, checking which trucks qualified for exemptions led to long lines and more local pollution.
The court says the extra cost per kilo of essentials is tiny (just ₹0.13-₹0.28), so prices shouldn't really go up for most people.
Only ambulances, fire engines, and oil tankers still get a pass.
Plus, with easier toll collection and more funds for environmental projects, the decision fits right in with bigger efforts to make Delhi's air healthier—and could help modernize toll systems in the future too.