39 Lakh Vehicles In Gujarat Running Without Valid PUC Certificates

Despite rising concerns over air pollution, more than 39 lakh vehicles in Gujarat were found to be running without renewed Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs), raising questions over the enforcement of vehicle-emission norms.

According to the CAG audit, as of March 2024, 39.13 lakh vehicles in Gujarat had expired PUCCs. Further, 99.26 lakh vehicles registered between 2009 and 2019 had not renewed their PUCC even once between 2019 and 2024.

The figures come amid growing concerns over visible smoke-emitting vehicles on Ahmedabad’s roads and their contribution to deteriorating air quality.

Ahmedabad’s PM10 levels rise again

Ahmedabad’s annual PM10 concentration stood at 101 micrograms per cubic metre in 2025-26, compared with 98 micrograms per cubic metre in 2023-24.

While the city has improved significantly from the 164 micrograms per cubic metre recorded in 2017-18, the current level remains around 68% above the national annual standard of 60 micrograms per cubic metre.

During regular travel on Ahmedabad roads, visibly smoke-emitting vehicles are frequently encountered. Two-wheeler riders travelling behind such vehicles are directly exposed to the exhaust fumes, highlighting the impact of vehicular emissions on road users.

Vehicles account for 36% of Ahmedabad’s CO2 emissions

The growing number of vehicles has also added to the city's overall emissions.

The transport sector accounted for around 13% of Gujarat’s total CO2 emissions in 2023, while its share in Ahmedabad district was 36%, making vehicular emissions a significant contributor to the district’s carbon emissions.

Camera-based enforcement faces questions

Ahmedabad has also introduced a camera-based e-challan system to take action against vehicles without valid PUC certificates and those visibly emitting excessive smoke.

The system reportedly uses a network of 1,749 CCTV cameras across 110 junctions to identify vehicles violating pollution-control norms.

However, questions remain over how effectively the system is being used to curb visibly polluting vehicles and ensure timely renewal of PUC certificates.

With millions of vehicles across Gujarat having expired PUC certificates and Ahmedabad continuing to record PM10 levels above the national standard, concerns are growing over whether existing pollution-control measures are being implemented effectively on the ground.