Delhi is set to implement staggered office timings for its government departments and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from November 15, 2025, as a strategic move against escalating air pollution. The initiative focuses on decongesting roads during peak commuting times, which significantly impacts air quality.
The revised schedule, valid until February 15, 2026, aims to create a wider gap between the start and end times of these large employee groups. This adjustment is expected to smooth out traffic flow and reduce the concentration of vehicular emissions.
Delhi Government employees will now commence their workday at 10:00 am and conclude at 6:30 pm, moving from the current 9:30 am – 6:00 pm slot. Meanwhile, MCD employees will start earlier, working from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, a change from their previous 9:00 am – 5:30 pm hours. This staggered approach is intended to prevent the convergence of peak traffic.
The need for such measures is underscored by the grim air quality scenario. Delhi’s AQI recorded 322, indicating ‘very poor’ air quality. This deterioration is linked to high concentrations of PM2.5, with transportation being a notable contributor. The pollution crisis is not confined to Delhi, as adjacent NCR cities like Ghaziabad and Noida are also experiencing dangerously high AQI levels, signaling an urgent regional environmental concern.