New Delhi: With air pollution expected to worsen during the winter months, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced a winter action plan to tackle the national capital’s pollution crisis. The plan will remain in force from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027, and includes vehicle restrictions, higher parking charges, revised office timings, work-from-home measures and stricter monitoring of construction sites.

Non-BS-VI Vehicles From Outside Delhi Face Entry Restrictions

Under the plan, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be barred from entering the national capital from November 1, 2026, to January 31, 2027.

The government aims to discourage private vehicle use and reduce vehicular emissions during the peak pollution season.

Parking Fees to Double

To encourage people to reduce their dependence on private vehicles, parking charges at designated parking facilities will be doubled from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

However, the increased charges will not apply to parking facilities owned and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

Government Office Timings to Change

The winter action plan also includes revised working hours for government offices to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions.

Offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will operate from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, while administrative offices and departments under the Delhi government will function from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

These revised timings will remain in effect from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

50% Work From Home and Staggered Office Timings

The announced measures also include changes to office schedules and a provision for 50% of employees in government and private offices to work from home, with the objective of reducing daily commuting and traffic congestion.

No Fuel Without a Valid PUC Certificate

The restriction on supplying fuel to vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate at petrol pumps across Delhi-NCR has already been implemented from October 1.

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) had earlier directed that vehicles without valid PUC certificates should not be supplied with fuel. Number-plate recognition cameras and other technological systems are being used to help enforce the requirement.

Construction Sites to Face Stricter Monitoring

The winter plan also provides for restrictions on construction and demolition activities to control dust pollution.

AI-based monitoring of construction sites will be used to strengthen compliance with pollution-control standards and identify violations.

Focus on Public Transport and Cleaner Mobility

The Delhi government will also promote cleaner mobility through electric buses, expanded Metro connectivity and carpooling to reduce dependence on private vehicles and curb emissions.

The winter action plan comes as Delhi prepares for months when a combination of vehicular emissions, construction dust and unfavourable weather conditions can contribute to severe air pollution. The government’s measures aim to reduce emissions, improve compliance and strengthen monitoring across the national capital.