Delhi Winter Action Plan: Rekha Gupta announces pollution curbs, 50% WFH and higher parking charges
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday unveiled a Winter Action Plan to fight air pollution in the national capital, rolling out several measures which will be in effect from November 1 till February 28, 2027.
Restrictions on vehicles entering, raising the cost of parking, and staggered working hours with a requirement for employees to work from home in order to lower the impact of vehicle usage on emissions and congestion in winter months.
Non-BS-VI Vehicles to Face Entry Restrictions
With the new scheme, vehicles with registration number other than those in Delhi which do not meet BS VI emission standards will be prohibited from entering the national capital from November 1 to January 31. The restriction will help to reduce pollution that is generated when vehicles travel into the city from other states.
Parking Charges Doubled
As part of the plan, government has announced that starting on November 1, there will be a two-fold increase in the parking fee at the authorised parking areas in Delhi city till February 28, 2027. The decision is to try and dissuade private car use and encourage commuters to consider other public transportation options.
The extra charges will, however, not be levied on the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) owned and operated parking stations.
Staggered Office Timings
The government has new office hours to help ease congestion during rush hours.
The Labour Department offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will open between 08.30 am to 05 pm and those under the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) will be open between 10 am to 06.30 pm. The new curriculum will take effect from 1stNovember 2027 until 28th February 2027.
50% Work From Home Mandate
The Winter Action Plan also calls for government and private offices to have 50% of staff working at home for that time and others at offices.
The provision will be made to decrease daily travel, traffic and pollution that contributes to congestion.
Under these vide restrictions the Delhi government will be dealing with seasonal pollution, and also provide de-congestive relief to the road network in the city when air quality is often parched during the winter. The measures will be put in place during the period mentioned to help reduce air pollution as part of the government’s wider plan to alleviate air pollution.