CAQM Recommends Revising MCD Toll and ECC to Combat Delhi Air Pollution

New Delhi: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recommended revising the MCD toll and Environmental Compensation Charges (ECC) in a bid to reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi. The recommendation has been submitted to the Supreme Court, citing the role of transport as a major contributor to the capital’s air pollution.

Discrepancy in Toll and ECC Rates

Currently, an empty two-axle truck entering Delhi must pay ₹700 combining MCD toll and ECC, while the same truck pays ₹1,005 on the Eastern Expressway and ₹945 on the Western Expressway. CAQM argues that this disparity encourages shorter trips through Delhi, saving fuel and giving truck owners a financial advantage.

The committee noted that the MCD toll has not been revised in years, and ECC rates have remained unchanged since 2015. As a result, the effectiveness of these charges in controlling traffic and pollution has diminished over time.

Technical Gaps and Proposed Solutions

CAQM highlighted deficiencies in toll monitoring systems. As of December 2025, only 70,602 vehicles paid toll via cash, while 36.9 lakh vehicles used RFID, yet real-time monitoring and automated number plate recognition remain inadequate.

To improve efficiency, CAQM suggested barrier-free, RFID-integrated multi-lane toll systems at all 126 toll plazas in Delhi by October 2026, allowing uninterrupted traffic flow.

ECC Fund Underutilization

The report also raised concerns about ECC fund usage. Out of ₹1,753.2 crore collected, only ₹781.4 crore (≈44.6%) has been spent, leaving 55.4% unutilized. Experts argue that timely and strategic use of these funds is essential, especially as vehicular pollution spikes every winter.

Recommendations

• Regular revision of ECC and MCD tolls to maintain deterrent effect.
• Enhanced surveillance and real-time monitoring at all entry points.
• Proper utilization of ECC funds to fund anti-pollution measures.

According to CSE Executive Director Anumita Raychaudhary, ECC rates should always be higher at city entry points compared to peripheral expressways. Environmentalist Sunil Dahiya emphasized that regular adjustments in toll and ECC charges are critical for effective pollution control.