The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued a draft notification detailing the upcoming transition to BS-VII emission norms for new cars and SUVs. According to the document, which was dated October 12, the implementation process is designed to be gradual rather than immediate. The government plans to roll out these stricter standards in three distinct phases over a six-year period, starting in April 2029 and continuing through April 2035.

This policy shift represents the next step in India’s efforts to curb vehicular pollution and align domestic automotive standards with more rigorous international environmental benchmarks. By spreading the implementation over several years, the ministry aims to provide manufacturers with a structured timeline to upgrade engine technologies and comply with the new requirements. While the draft provides the timeline for the rollout, it does not detail the specific technical thresholds that vehicles must meet in each phase, nor does it address potential impacts on vehicle pricing or consumer demand. The notification serves as a formal proposal, inviting industry stakeholders and the public to review the plan before it is finalized into law.