Ahead of the upcoming winter season, the Delhi government has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at tackling the city's severe air pollution. These new restrictions, which include mandatory work-from-home arrangements and increased parking costs, are set to take effect from November 1, 2026.
Key Measures Take Effect November 1
From November 1, 2026, until February 28, 2027, both government and private offices across Delhi will be required to operate with 50% of their staff working from home. The remaining 50% will work from the office, ensuring a significant reduction in daily commuter traffic.
To further discourage the use of private vehicles, existing parking charges at authorized sites will be doubled starting November 1, 2026, and will remain in effect until February 28, 2027. This hike, however, will not apply to parking facilities managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Additionally, the government has mandated staggered office timings for municipal and National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) offices. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, while GNCTD offices will run from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
Construction and Demolition Restrictions
In a bid to control dust pollution, the Delhi government is also imposing strict controls on construction and demolition activities. From November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited.
A complete ban on all construction and demolition activities will then be enforced from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027, targeting the period when air quality typically deteriorates to its worst levels. These measures underscore Delhi's proactive approach to mitigating the annual winter pollution crisis.