Delhi Pollution Alert: 7 Major Restrictions From November 1; Check Vehicle Ban, Parking And Office Rules

Delhi is preparing for another challenging winter pollution season, with the government introducing a series of strict measures from November 1, 2026, to control rising air pollution. The new winter action plan will affect vehicle owners, office employees, construction companies, commuters and businesses across the national capital.

The restrictions include a ban on certain older vehicles registered outside Delhi, a 50% work-from-home arrangement, doubled parking charges, construction restrictions and stricter pollution certificate checks.

The measures will remain in force for different periods between November 1, 2026, and February 28, 2027, depending on the category. The government aims to reduce vehicular emissions, construction dust and other major sources of air pollution.

Here are seven major restrictions residents and visitors should know about.

1. Ban On Older Vehicles Registered Outside Delhi

One of the biggest changes concerns vehicles entering the national capital.

From November 1, vehicles registered outside Delhi that do not meet BS-VI emission standards will be restricted from entering and operating in the city until January 31, 2027.

The restrictions primarily cover older petrol and diesel vehicles. BS-VI-compliant vehicles, CNG vehicles and electric vehicles are exempt, along with specified emergency and essential-service vehicles.

Interstate buses and commercial vehicles will also face emission-standard requirements under the revised rules.

2. 50% Work From Home For Government And Private Offices

To reduce daily traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, the Delhi government has introduced a 50% work-from-home arrangement.

From November 1 to January 31, 2027, government and private offices will be required to limit physical attendance to 50% of their workforce, with the remaining employees working remotely.

Private establishments have also been encouraged to introduce staggered working hours, carpooling and greater use of public transport.

Essential and emergency services will be exempt from the attendance restrictions.

3. Parking Charges To Double Across Delhi

People using authorised parking facilities in Delhi will have to pay higher charges during the winter pollution-control period.

Parking fees will be doubled from November 1, 2026, to February 28, 2027.

The move is intended to discourage unnecessary private vehicle usage and encourage commuters to use public transportation.

However, parking facilities operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will remain exempt from the increase.

4. Construction And Demolition Activities Face Restrictions

Construction dust is another major contributor to Delhi’s air pollution. To control this source, the government has imposed restrictions on dust-generating activities.

From November 1 to January 31, 2027, dust-generating demolition work and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited, subject to specified exemptions for essential public infrastructure projects.

A broader ban covering construction and demolition activities will also be imposed from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027, with notified exemptions.

Construction agencies will face inspections, and violations may result in stop-work notices, environmental compensation and other enforcement action.

5. No PUC Certificate, No Fuel

Delhi is also tightening its Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate enforcement.

Under the ‘No PUC, No Fuel’ policy, vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate will not be supplied fuel at designated petrol pumps and fuel stations.

The government is using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology at selected fuel stations and other locations to strengthen enforcement.

Vehicle owners should check their PUC certificate validity before visiting petrol pumps to avoid inconvenience.

6. Government Office Timings To Change

To reduce traffic congestion during peak hours, the Delhi government has introduced different working hours for municipal and state government offices.

The revised timings are:

• Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD): 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Delhi Government offices: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

The staggered schedule is intended to distribute commuter traffic across different time periods and reduce congestion on busy roads.

7. Stricter Monitoring And Action Against Pollution Violations

The government will strengthen enforcement through special inspection teams, automatic number plate recognition cameras and an AI-enabled Integrated Command and Control Centre.

Authorities will monitor vehicle violations, construction activities, dust-control measures and other pollution-related issues.

Strict action will also be taken against open waste burning and activities that contribute to air pollution. Residents, institutions and commercial establishments are being encouraged to cooperate with pollution-control measures.

What Should Delhi Residents Do From November 1?

With the new restrictions taking effect, residents and commuters should take a few precautions:

• Check whether their vehicles meet the required BS-VI emission standards before travelling to Delhi from outside the capital.
• Keep their PUC certificates valid.
• Use public transport, metro services and carpooling wherever possible.
• Check parking charges before using authorised parking facilities.
• Follow office attendance and revised working-hour instructions.
• Ensure construction activities comply with the notified pollution-control rules.

Delhi Winter Pollution Plan: Key Dates At A Glance

The new restrictions are part of Delhi’s annual winter pollution-control framework, which operates from November 1 to February 28. Additional restrictions may also be introduced under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) if air quality deteriorates further.

The government has urged residents, businesses and commuters to cooperate with the measures to reduce pollution and improve air quality across the national capital.