India on e-wheels: How serious is Gujarat about tackling vehicle pollution?

PM10 levels in Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara remain above India’s national standard, despite long-term reductions since 2017-18.

New vehicle registrations in Gujarat rose from 15.69 lakh in 2022 to 20.90 lakh in 2025, an increase of about 33% in four years.

A 2026 CAG report raised concerns over weak enforcement, including expired pollution under control certificates and fitness certificates issued without valid pollution checks..Gujarat is widely associated with economic growth and industrial prosperity. But its major cities are also struggling with air pollution.

Four of the state’s cities, Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara, are covered under India’s National Clean Air Programme. Yet annual average PM10 levels in all four cities remain above the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.

Vehicle emissions, smoke and road dust are considered among the main sources of pollution in these cities.