India, April 20 -- Heavy and light commercial vehicles - including trucks, vans and dumpers - entering Delhi will now have to pay significantly higher Environment Compensation Charges (ECC) with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) issuing formal orders mandating a hike of up to 53% hike in the rates, senior officials said. Citing a Supreme Court court order, the civic body said that increased charges will act as a deterrent and disincentivize polluting vehicles from passing through the national capital.

Starting April 19, the ECC for light commercial vehicles and two-axle trucks has been increased from Rs.1,400 to Rs.2,000, while the charge for three-axle trucks and vehicles with four or more axles has gone up from Rs.2,600 to Rs.4,...