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Delhi's Winter Air Curfew: New Rules Start Now
2 Jul
Summary
- New Delhi restrictions target winter air pollution from November to February.
- Vehicle restrictions and construction bans aim to prevent poor air quality.
- Staggered work timings and work-from-home mandates reduce traffic congestion.
To combat severe air pollution during winter months, the Delhi government has mandated a comprehensive set of restrictions set to be enforced annually from November 1 to February 28. These new measures, notified in June 2026, will operate alongside the existing Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The proactive approach aims to reduce disruptions by planning ahead, unlike previous reactive measures. Analysis of the past three winters revealed consistently deteriorating air quality between November 1 and February 15, with median AQIs often in the 'very poor' to 'severe+' range.
Starting November 1 annually, non-CNG/electric vehicles registered outside Delhi and below BS-VI standards will be prohibited. All fuel stations will require a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) for refueling. Parking charges at authorized sites will double, excluding Delhi Metro facilities.
Work arrangements will shift to reduce traffic. Delhi government offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will shift to 10 am to 6:30 pm. From November to January, private and government offices must ensure 50% staff work from home, with exemptions for essential services.
Dust-generating construction and demolition activities face a ban from November 1 to January 31, with a complete halt from December 10 to January 20, except for essential projects. Vehicles carrying construction materials will also be restricted during these periods. Anti-smog guns will be mandated for large sites.
