Delhi set for odd-even experiment

The national capital is set to witness a fortnight-long trial of the much talked about odd-even numbered vehicle scheme, aimed at controlling pollution in the city that has now reached dangerous levels. 

According to this vehicular volume reduction policy, proposed by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi, the vehicles will be allowed to ply on the roads and be parked at various parking lots on the basis of the last digit (odd or even) on their number plates. 

The number of vehicles plying on the city roads may come down only slightly with as many as 25 categories of automobiles remaining exempted from the proposed system. 

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The exemptions include two-wheelers, vehicles driven by women, CNG driven vehicles, President, Prime Minister, Union ministers, Lieutenant Governor, SPG protecees, those on their way to hospital for a medical emergency and many others. 

As far as preparations are concerned for the 15-day trial to curb pollution, the Delhi government has demarcated lanes for buses and 3,000 extra buses will be plying to cater to the rush. 

To make the trial successful, provision has been made for traffic police and teams of enforcement department of transport to fine people Rs.2,000 if they are found driving an odd numbered car on an even date and vice versa. 

"The Delhi metro will also add 70 additional trips to decongest the trains. Apart from this, car pooling is another option for which people can also use ‘PoochO app’ designed by DIMTS. Apart from booking autos and taxis from nearby, now people can also register for car pooling," said Gopal Rai, Delhi transport minister. 

Around 80,000 autos have been connected with the app and just by giving a missed call, one can download the app. 

Rai said another 1,000 DTC buses which are used by schools on part time basis will also by plying during the campaign.

 

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