The Delhi government has announced revised office timings for its departments, along with the Delhi Municipal Corporation, following the deteriorating air pollution in the national capital. This is to ease traffic congestion and cut down on vehicular emissions. The new schedule would be applicable from November 15, 2025, to February 15, 2026, for the winter season.
What are the new office hours?
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, under the new schedule, Delhi government offices will function from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm, while MCD offices will open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Presently, government offices function from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, and MCD offices from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, leaving only a 30-minute gap between the two shifts. According to officials, this minimal gap frequently causes jamming of roads and increased commuting time, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
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The decision was announced by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday, who pointed out that staggered office hours would distribute traffic flow evenly and decrease pollution that results from congestion.
Pollution levels reach 'very poor' category
The decision comes amid alarming pollution levels across Delhi and the NCR region. According to the data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), 29 of the 38 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded the air quality in the ‘very poor’ category on Friday, with the Air Quality Index crossing the 300 mark. The city recorded its 24-hour average AQI at 322 till 4 pm, placing Delhi in the red zone, PTI reported.
As per the Hindustan Times report, the Sameer app showed that PM2.5 is the dominant pollutant and transport emissions alone are predicted to contribute approximately 15% to PM2.5 levels on Saturday and 14% on Sunday.
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NCR cities also choke on polluted air
Conditions are no better in the areas around the Capital either. As per the reports, Ghaziabad recorded an AQI of 314, and Noida stood at 306 - both in the ‘very poor’ category. The Air Quality Early Warning System has forecast that the air quality in Delhi is unlikely to improve over the coming days, given the prevailing weather conditions that keep pollutants trapped near the surface.
