Delhi is preparing for the winter pollution season with a series of new measures aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, construction dust and traffic-related pollution. The Delhi government has announced restrictions covering vehicles, construction and demolition activities, office attendance and parking as part of its winter pollution-control plan.
The measures are scheduled to come into effect in phases, with several key restrictions beginning November 1, 2026. The government has said the plan is designed to reduce pollution before winter conditions lead to a sharp deterioration in air quality.
50% Work from Home from November 1
Under the winter pollution plan, government and private offices will follow a hybrid working arrangement, with 50% of employees working from home and the remaining 50% attending offices physically.
Government offices will also follow staggered working hours. Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will function from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
Private offices have also been encouraged to promote carpooling, ride-sharing and public transport to reduce the number of private vehicles on Delhi’s roads.
Vehicle Restrictions to Tighten
Vehicle-related restrictions will also be strengthened from November 1. Petrol and diesel vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will face restrictions on entering and moving within the city.
CNG and electric vehicles, along with certain essential and emergency-service vehicles, are among the exempt categories.
The government is also strengthening the “No PUCC, No Fuel” enforcement system. From October 1, authorities will begin an enforcement drive against vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCCs).
Construction and Demolition Restrictions
Construction activity will face restrictions during the winter months because dust from construction and demolition is a major target of Delhi’s pollution-control strategy.
From November 1 to January 31, dust-generating demolition work and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited, subject to specified exemptions.
A more stringent measure will follow from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027, when a complete ban on construction and demolition activities is scheduled to be imposed.
Parking Charges to Increase
To discourage the use of private vehicles, parking charges at authorized parking facilities will be doubled from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027. Delhi Metro-operated parking facilities are exempt from this provision.
Delhi’s Winter Pollution Plan
The measures are part of Delhi’s permanent Winter Pollution Action Plan, which is scheduled to operate every year from November 1 to February 28.
The wider strategy includes vehicle-emission controls, construction and dust management, public transport measures, parking restrictions and stronger PUCC enforcement.
The Delhi government has also stressed that pollution control should not be limited to the winter months. Enforcement against vehicles without valid pollution certificates is being expanded as part of a year-round approach.
With winter approaching, the effectiveness of these measures will depend not only on the rules but also on their implementation and enforcement across Delhi. The government is also asking residents to use public transport, carpool, maintain valid PUCCs and avoid activities such as waste burning that contribute to air pollution.
