Delhi gears up for odd-even again -Governance Now

Delhi gears up for odd-even again

CNG vehicles to ply on roads during odd-even scheme from April 15-30, exemption of VIPs and women to be reviewed

GN Bureau | April 4, 2016

#odd even #cng vehicle #arvind kejriwal #delhi cm #delhi pollution

Delhi is preparing for phase-II of the odd-even scheme which is to be started in less than two weeks from now, from April 15 till April 30. It will be similar to the pilot scheme implemented in January, says chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a radio advertisement.

Terming it as good news, he tells listeners that the world is surprised to see how “disciplined” Delhiites are and this time again the traffic on roads and pollution levels will decrease.

Odd-even rule this time too will exempt CNG-fuelled vehicles from the rules that prevent plying of private cars on alternate days, but according to transport minister Gopal Rai, the final decision on excluding women drivers and VIPs from the exemption list is yet to be taken. Women’s organisations have been called to the secretariat on April 5 to gather their opinion.

During the last phase, Kejriwal government had listed out some exceptions – including two-wheelers, emergency service vehicles, women drivers and top politicians.

READ: Exemption list of odd-even pilot scheme from January 1-15

During the scheme, government will engage private buses under 'DTC Paryavaran Bus Service', for which it has already started registration process that will continue till April 14. The process to involve ex-servicemen who are to be deployed along with civil defence volunteers in these buses will begin soon.

AAP government has also decided to cancel leaves of Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) staff during the 15-day car-rationing period. 50 percent of seats in these buses will be reserved for women passengers.

A senior government official said that all depot managers of DTC have been directed to begin maintenance of the buses for smooth plying during the odd-even scheme and the regional manager will face strict action in case of any breakdowns. Gopal Rai has also formed 25 monitoring units to repair buses in case of breakdown. “We have also decided to organise an awareness picnic at India Gate on April 13 where school children will be educated about the scheme," the official said.

According to a report by Indian Express, government officials say that the monitoring this time will focus on heavy traffic routes like the outer ring road, Connaught Place, ITO and Vikas Marg, instead of neighbourhoods.

On April 13, volunteers, DTC drivers, and Delhi Metro officials will assemble at the Chhatrasal stadium and take an oath to make the drive successful, said Rai while adding that a committee headed by the transport commissioner has been appointed to find ways to improve the ‘Poochh-O’ app and help commuters and auto drivers when the scheme is in place.

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