Delhi Winter Pollution Plan 2026: No PUC, No Fuel, 150 More E-Buses, 50% WFH

The Delhi government has announced a series of measures to tackle the rise in air pollution expected during the winter months, with tighter checks on vehicles, expanded public transport and restrictions aimed at reducing traffic and emissions.

The measures were discussed at a high-level meeting attended by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma.

Among the key steps are stricter enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” rule, action against end-of-life vehicles, the addition of 150 electric buses, higher parking charges and a 50% work-from-home arrangement for government and private offices.

‘No PUC, No Fuel’ Rule To Be Enforced More Strictly

The Delhi government will intensify enforcement of the “No PUC, No Fuel” policy from October 1, requiring vehicles to have a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate to purchase fuel.

A crackdown on end-of-life vehicles will also be carried out at all 500 petrol pumps equipped with automatic number-plate recognition cameras.

The government plans to launch a public awareness campaign in October and upgrade PUC centres in November. Fitness checks for around 2.5 lakh vehicles will also be conducted through three Automated Testing Stations.

150 More Electric Buses To Hit Delhi Roads

To strengthen public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles, Delhi will add 150 electric buses to its fleet.

According to Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, the additional buses will take the city's total number of electric buses to more than 700. The government is also focusing on improving last-mile connectivity around the Metro network.

The authorities are simultaneously monitoring identified pollution hotspots. Sirsa said pollution levels at 42 of the 62 identified hotspots had already been brought under control, while work was continuing at the remaining locations.

Parking Charges To Double From November 1

The government will double parking charges at authorised parking facilities from November 1 as part of efforts to discourage private vehicle use.

The revised parking charges will remain applicable through February 28, 2027, with facilities owned and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation exempted from the measure.

50% Work From Home For Offices

Delhi will also introduce staggered working hours and a 50% work-from-home arrangement during the winter pollution period.

From November 1 to February 28, offices under the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm, while Delhi government offices will function from 10 am to 6:30 pm.

Government and private offices will be required to keep only half of their workforce physically present, with the remaining employees working from home during the specified period.

Construction And Demolition Restrictions

The winter action plan also includes restrictions on construction and demolition activities.

Dust-generating demolition work and outdoor civil construction activities will be prohibited from November 1 to January 31, with certain essential projects exempted.

A stricter, complete ban on construction and demolition activities is scheduled from December 10, 2026, to January 20, 2027, except for urgent government and emergency works.

Focus On Pollution Hotspots And Waste Burning

The government plans to increase monitoring around locations such as cremation grounds, dumping sites and construction or demolition waste sites.

Officials will also take steps to prevent garbage, biomass and other waste from being burned. Authorities are continuing work at the pollution hotspots that have not yet been brought under control.

The measures form part of Delhi's broader winter pollution action plan, which combines vehicle restrictions, traffic management, construction controls and public-transport measures ahead of the period when the capital traditionally faces deteriorating air quality.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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