The Delhi-NCR region, known for its chaotic traffic and choking air, is now unexpectedly becoming a goldmine for bargain hunters in neighbouring states. Thanks to the 10-year diesel ban enforced by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), luxury vehicles that once adorned upscale Delhi driveways are being sold off at scrap-level prices and buyers outside Delhi are cashing in big time.
A Ban That’s Burdening Some, Benefiting Others
The rule, enforced in 2014, prohibits diesel vehicles older than 10 years and petrol vehicles older than 15 years from being operated or even parked within the boundaries of Delhi and NCR. The original idea behind this move was to curb growing pollution levels by phasing out older, high-emission vehicles. But as it turns out, the biggest losers have been luxury car owners, now scrambling to get rid of their prized rides for whatever little they can fetch.
Enter opportunistic buyers from states like Himachal Pradesh and Punjab — where no such ban applies — who are snapping up luxury SUVs and sedans for a fraction of their original price. What may seem like a distress sale for Delhiites is turning into an early Diwali for smart shoppers across the border.
₹65 Lakh Land Rover for ₹8 Lakh? Believe It!
Take the case of Nitin Goyal from Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to NDTV, Goyal revealed how he managed to buy a well-maintained Land Rover Freelander for just ₹8 lakh — a car that once had an MRP of over ₹65 lakh. If that wasn’t shocking enough, he also landed a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, originally priced around ₹40 lakh, for just ₹4.25 lakh.
Together, he spent less than ₹13 lakh for two luxury cars whose combined value exceeded ₹1 crore. “Both cars are in great condition and can be used legally in Himachal till at least 2028. But in Delhi, owners are helpless. They can’t even park these cars outside their own homes,” said Goyal.
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The Enforcement: Cameras, Confusion & Collapse
To strictly enforce this rule, Delhi authorities installed over 350 ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras across fuel stations to identify diesel or petrol vehicles that have crossed their age limit. These vehicles were marked as End-of-Life (EoL), with no option to be refueled, sold within Delhi, or even driven legally.
The policy impacted over 62 lakh vehicles, including around 41 lakh two-wheelers. Facing backlash, the Delhi government temporarily put the fuel ban on hold due to technical and logistical challenges — but by then, the damage was done. Thousands of vehicles were already sold at throwaway prices, and resale values for diesel cars dropped dramatically overnight.
One’s Trash, Another’s Treasure
While Delhi residents are stuck mourning their losses, smart buyers from other states are making the most of the situation. With no restriction on vehicle age in their regions, they’re picking up luxury German sedans and British SUVs for prices lower than a brand-new Hyundai Creta.
So, if you’ve been dreaming of owning a high-end car but thought it was out of your league, now might be the perfect time to check what’s available just outside Delhi’s borders. Thanks to policy loopholes and desperation sales, luxury is literally going cheap.