Delhi odd-even scheme could be extended. Key things to know
1 min read . Updated: 13 Nov 2019, 04:54 PM IST
Premium- Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said odd-even will be extended if required
- The odd-even scheme was first implemented by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in 2016
As the air pollution level in the national capital continues to remain in the 'severe' category, the odd-even scheme may get extended. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Wednesday that the road-rationing system that is supposed to end on Friday, will be extended, if necessary. Started on November 4, the odd-even scheme is a car-rationing system where the vehicles with odd last digit in the registration number will be allowed on roads on odd dates and those with even last digit will ply on even dates.
The odd-even scheme was first implemented by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in 2016 to tackle the rising pollution level in Delhi.
“Delhi is the capital of the country. The image that is being sent across is not right. If necessary, we will extend odd-even. This will be monitored on a day-to-day basis," Kejriwal said.
The odd-even rule is applicable on all non-transport four-wheeled vehicles plying on Delhi roads from 8 am to 8 pm, except on Sundays. Two-wheelers have been exempted. Women driving alone, cars having all women as occupants and women accompanied by children aged less than 12 years will also be exempted. Apart from that, vehicles used for medical emergency will not come under the purview of the odd-even scheme.
Privately owned CNG vehicles will not be exempted from the odd-even scheme this time. Kejriwal government has increased the penalty this year — an amount of ₹4,000 will be charged if anyone violates the rule during the implementation of the odd-even scheme. Earlier, the fine was ₹2,000.
Cab aggregators like Uber and Old have promised to deactivate the surge pricing during the 12-day odd-even scheme. As many as 2,000 additional buses have been deployed on roads during November 4-15. Arvind Kejriwal asked the residents of the capital to use public transport and share cars to decrease pollution. "Share car, this will help increase friendship, build relationships, save petrol and reduce pollution," Kejriwal wrote on Twitter.
Delhi government has suspended the odd-even scheme for two days for the celebrations of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
