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Delhi Mandates 50% WFH Amidst Pollution Crisis
1 Nov
Summary
- Offices must implement 50% work-from-home starting November 1.
- Parking charges will double to discourage private vehicle use.
- Measures are fixed-term, from November 1 to January 31.
Delhi's government is enacting mandatory 50% work-from-home policies for all government and private offices to combat severe winter air pollution. This measure, along with doubled parking fees, began on November 1, 2026, and is designed to reduce vehicular emissions. These restrictions are part of a set of fixed-term measures aimed at improving air quality during the peak pollution window.
The implemented measures include a ban on demolition and outdoor construction, and restrictions on older vehicles. The work-from-home directive and parking fee increases are in place until January 31, 2027, while parking charges will remain elevated until February 28, 2027. Enforcement may be lenient until Deepavali.
Specific exemptions are in place for electric, CNG, emergency vehicles, and essential construction projects. Delhi government offices will operate from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and MCD offices from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to manage traffic congestion. These fixed-term restrictions go beyond the usual Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) measures.
