Odd-even scheme is going to make a comeback in Delhi from next week, as air quality in the national capital continues to worsen.
Started in January 2016, Kejriwal government’s odd-even scheme is a method of rationing, where cars with odd and even number plates get to run on alternate days. The scheme will apply to all non-transport four-wheeled vehicles including those coming in from other states.
According to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, reintroducing the odd-even car rationing scheme will help to reduce air pollution in the capital.
Starting from November 4, odd-numbered vehicles will be allowed on Delhi roads on odd dates and even-numbered vehicles will be allowed on even dates. The rule will be applicable in Delhi from 8 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays and will run till November 15. It will be the third time this scheme comes into force in Delhi.
Exemptions include two-wheelers, vehicles used for medical emergencies, vehicles carrying school children in uniform, women driving alone, cars having all women as occupants and women accompanied by children aged less than 12 years.
Exemptions also include ‘VIPs’ such as vehicles of the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, state governors, Chief Justice of India, Speakers of the Lok Sabha, Union ministers, and leaders of the Opposition of both the Houses, Supreme Court judges, chairman of UPSC, chief election commissioners and CAG, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha, deputy speaker of Lok Sabha, lieutenant-general of NCT/Delhi, judges of high court and members of the Lokayukta. Also, enforcement and defence vehicles will be exempt.
Conversely, there will be no exemption for the vehicles of Delhi government ministers and the chief minister and unlike the previous odd-even scheme, privately owned CNG vehicles will not be exempted this time.
Delhi government will charge a fine of Rs 4,000 (was Rs 2000 earlier) for violation of the odd-even rule from November 4. According to reports, the increase in penalty for violation of the rule has been suggested by the Transport department as per the amended Motor Vehicles Act.
As per reports, Cab provider Uber will disable surge pricing during the 11-day period when the odd-even rule runs in Delhi.
According to Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, the government will engage 2,000 private buses in the odd-even period for the additional load at Rs 50 per kilometre.
Also read: Pink tickets: Riding public buses now free for women in Delhi
