In an effort to combat severe air pollution, the Delhi Government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have announced a new policy of staggered office hours, commencing November 15, 2025. This measure is designed to ease traffic congestion, a primary driver of poor air quality in the capital.
The adjusted timings, scheduled to run through February 15, 2026, aim to create a more even distribution of traffic during the critical morning and evening commute periods. Officials highlighted that the current close proximity of office start and end times leads to heavy traffic build-up and increased pollution.
Delhi Government offices will see a slight shift, operating from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, a change from the existing 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Concurrently, MCD offices will adopt an earlier schedule of 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, diverging from their current 9:00 am to 5:30 pm hours. This strategic timing change seeks to reduce peak hour traffic volume.
The implementation of this policy is prompted by the alarming air quality situation. Delhi’s AQI has persistently remained in the ‘very poor’ category, hitting 322 as per recent readings. PM2.5 particles are identified as the main pollutant, with vehicle emissions contributing significantly. The air quality crisis extends to the broader NCR, with cities like Ghaziabad and Noida also reporting hazardous levels, underscoring the extensive environmental challenge.