Delhi’s air turns very poor again as govt eyes shared taxis and carpool app
Delhi’s air turns very poor again as govt eyes shared taxis and carpool app
Delhi's AQI hits 'very poor' and several stations report severe levels as the govt plans to revive shared taxis, boost women drivers, and roll out carpooling and EV integration.
Delhi continues to battle deteriorating air quality, with the overall AQI slipping into the very poor category and eight stations recording readings above 400, signaling pockets of severe pollution in the city. On Friday, December 26, 2025, the Chief Minister said the government is planning meetings with cab operators to discuss reviving shared taxi services, increasing the number of women drivers, and integrating private electric vehicles into the taxi network. Officials warn that the air pollution level is likely to stay elevated for at least the next three days according to current data.
The government is actively exploring options to reduce vehicle numbers on the roads and promote environmentally friendly travel. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has indicated progress on a carpooling app for Delhi, which would offer options for using private cars for carpooling as a way to cut emissions, though officials note there is no system in place yet. In parallel, the Delhi Education Department announced plans to install air purifiers in 10,000 classrooms in the first phase, highlighting a broader strategy to tackle pollution from multiple angles.
In a broader context, the Delhi High Court has asked the Centre to respond to a plea seeking GST relief on air purifiers, underscoring ongoing concerns about air quality. Weather conditions, including a fresh western disturbance, could further influence pollution levels, and officials warn that unfavourable conditions may complicate efforts to improve air quality in the short term.
Together, these steps point to a multi-pronged approach: revive shared transport to reduce congestion, promote female participation and EV use in the taxi sector, and implement educational and technological remedies to mitigate pollution while weather dynamics play out.
