Supreme Court Pushes for Removal of Delhi Border Toll Plazas to Combat Air Pollution Crisis
Traffic Jams at Toll Booths Blamed for Rising Smog and Toxic Emissions
Court Urges NHAI and MCD to Act Fast Against Delhi’s Annual Pollution Emergency
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 24, 2025:
Delhi’s air pollution has once again reached alarming levels, prompting the Supreme Court of India to direct the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to consider closing or shifting nine toll plazas located at the city’s borders. The court observed that these toll booths are a major contributor to traffic congestion, which in turn worsens vehicular emissions and adds to the toxic smog choking the capital.
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This move is seen as a critical step in tackling Delhi’s pollution crisis, which the court described as an “annual feature” requiring pragmatic and practical solutions.
Why Toll Plazas Worsen Pollution
Toll plazas at Delhi’s borders, including those near Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad, witness long queues of vehicles every day. Cars, trucks, and buses often idle for extended periods while waiting to pay tolls. This idling leads to:
- High emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
- Increased fuel consumption, adding to economic costs.
- Localized pollution hotspots around toll booths, affecting nearby residents.
According to environmental experts, traffic congestion at toll plazas can double or triple vehicular emissions, making them significant contributors to Delhi’s already dire air quality.
Supreme Court’s Observations
The bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, noted that the toll plazas were causing hours-long traffic jams. The court stressed that removing or relocating them could immediately reduce emissions from idling vehicles.
The court also allowed authorities to take coercive action against older vehicles that do not meet Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) emission standards, further tightening measures against polluting sources.
Importance of Removal in Pollution Fight
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The removal or relocation of toll plazas is important because:
- Direct reduction in emissions: Vehicles will no longer idle for long periods, cutting down pollutants.
- Smoother traffic flow: Reduced congestion means less stop-and-go driving, which is a major source of emissions.
- Immediate impact: Unlike long-term measures such as tree planting, this step can yield quick results.
- Public health benefits: Lower emissions mean fewer respiratory illnesses, especially among children and the elderly.
Experts believe that tackling traffic-related emissions is crucial since vehicles contribute nearly 40% of Delhi’s air pollution during peak winter months.
Delhi’s Annual Pollution Crisis
Every winter, Delhi experiences a sharp rise in pollution due to a combination of factors:
- Stubble burning in neighbouring states.
- Industrial emissions from NCR towns.
- Vehicular pollution aggravated by traffic congestion.
- Weather conditions that trap pollutants close to the ground.
The Supreme Court described this as an “annual feature”, stressing that extraordinary measures are needed to protect public health.
Government and Civic Response
The MCD has been directed to take a decision within one week on whether the toll plazas can be shut temporarily. The NHAI has also been asked to explore relocation options.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government has already taken steps such as:
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- Closing schools for younger children during peak pollution days.
- Banning older vehicles that fail to meet emission standards.
- Implementing odd-even traffic schemes in past years.
The Supreme Court’s directive adds another layer of accountability, ensuring that civic bodies act swiftly.
Expert Opinions
Environmentalists have welcomed the move, calling it a “practical solution to a chronic problem.” According to experts:
- Removing toll plazas will reduce congestion-related emissions.
- It will also improve efficiency of transport, saving fuel and time.
- The step could serve as a model for other polluted cities facing similar challenges.
However, some caution that toll revenue is important for civic bodies, and alternative mechanisms such as digital toll collection must be strengthened to avoid financial losses.
Broader Implications
The directive has broader implications for India’s fight against pollution:
- Technology adoption: Encouraging FASTag and digital toll systems to eliminate manual collection.
- Urban planning: Designing infrastructure that minimizes congestion.
- Public health: Reducing pollution hotspots near toll plazas, which often affect marginalized communities living nearby.
By focusing on traffic management, the Supreme Court has highlighted that pollution control is not just about emissions standards but also about infrastructure efficiency.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s call to close or shift nine toll plazas at Delhi’s borders is a landmark step in India’s battle against air pollution. By targeting traffic congestion, the court has addressed one of the most immediate sources of emissions.
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This move, combined with stricter enforcement of vehicle standards and other pollution-control measures, could provide much-needed relief to Delhi’s residents. As the capital continues to grapple with its annual smog crisis, the removal of toll plazas may prove to be a game-changer in the fight for cleaner air.
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