Delhi Pollution curbs from November 1: What changes for commuters, office-goers and vehicle owners?

With Delhi gradually entering the winter season, several restrictions will be implemented from November 1 in the national capital under the winter pollution action plan. The curtailments will affect office-goers, commuters, vehicle owners, and construction activities. The curbs are imposed to reduce vehicular emissions, control dust pollution and improve air quality in the national capital during the winter months.

50% work from home for government

Under the directions, Government and private offices in Delhi will have to make sure that 50% of their employees work from home, whereas the remaining workforce will have to work from offices. The motive behind this is to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and ease traffic congestion.

Subsequently, the office timings are also set to prevent people from getting stuck in traffic at the same time. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 PM, while Delhi government offices will function from 10 am to 6:30 pm. Private employers have also been encouraged to promote carpooling and the use of public transport.

Essential services are exempt from the work-from-home requirement.

Parking charges to double

To discourage the use of private vehicles, parking charges at authorised spots across Delhi will be doubled from November 1 to February 28, 2027. However, parking facilities owned and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be exempt from the hike.

Vehicle restrictions and 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule

Vehicles that are registered outside Delhi and do not meet BS-VI emission standards will not be allowed to enter the national capital from November 1 to January 31. However, this will not cover CNG and electric vehicles, along with ambulances, fire services and other exempt essential vehicles.

The government will also enforce the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule, under which vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) will not be supplied fuel at petrol pumps, CNG stations and LPG outlets across Delhi.

Construction activities to face restrictions

Dust-generating demolition work and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, except for essential public infrastructure projects.

The restrictions will become stricter between December 10 and January 20, when construction and demolition activities will face a complete ban, subject to specified exemptions for urgent and essential work.

Large commercial buildings and eligible construction sites will also be required to deploy anti-smog guns or mist systems to control dust pollution.

More measures to tackle winter pollution

The winter action plan also includes stricter monitoring of industrial pollution, action against open waste burning and measures to control road dust. Authorities will step up inspections and use technology to monitor compliance at construction sites.

The Delhi government has also stressed the need to encourage public transport, carpooling and other measures to reduce private vehicle use during the winter season.