Odd-Even Phase II: Over 1,300 fined, real test on Monday

Rai urges parents to leave early to drop kids to school.

The city’s roads witnessed fewer private cars on Friday as the second phase of the odd-even car-rationing scheme was rolled out. Thousands of policemen and civil defence volunteers were deployed across the city to enforce the restrictions, which will be in force till April 30.

The actual impact of the restrictions will be known only on Monday, the first working day after the rollout of the second phase of the scheme. Friday was a holiday because of Ram Navami followed by Saturday and Sunday. “Odd even starts today. Let’s all join hands and resolve to make it a success,” Mr Kejriwal tweeted.

Over 1,300 persons were fined by the Delhi traffic police on Friday for violating the odd-even norms. The highest number of challans were reported from South Delhi, closely followed by the western part of the city, with 271 and 176 challans respectively issued till 8 pm, a senior official said.

Seventy challans were issued in the northern part of the city, the lowest of all the districts while 105, 103 and 159 challans were issued in outer, east and central Delhi respectively.

As many as 884 motorists were challaned between 8 am and 8 pm. The transport department of the Delhi government prosecuted 427 violators.

City transport minister Gopal Rai said that the people’s response was “positive” on the first day of the car-rationing scheme. “I have reports from all over Delhi that people are following the scheme. The final picture will emerge after we receive reports from different departments,” Mr Rai said.

Owing to Ram Navami holiday, light traffic was witnessed during the course of a full circle bus ride from Delhi Secretariat, via Pragati Maidan, India Gate, Delhi Gate, Red Fort and Rajghat. He said the response of the people was “positive” although some complaints were received from border areas where drivers from other states were caught for violation.

Comparing the second phase of odd-even scheme with the trial run in first half of January, Mr Rai said problems could be faced this time, but solutions could be found. Following the extended weekend, traffic will increase on Monday when offices and schools will open but the government is prepared to tackle the situation, he said.

Mr Rai appealed to Delhiites to leave “early” to drop their children to school so that they are not caught on the wrong side. He also urged women drivers to help and drop back other children in their neighbourhood from school while picking their own children.

“Eighty-five per cent women drop children to schools and pick them back in the city. People of Delhi have given them exemption from the scheme and they should inquire about other children in their vicinity and arrange dropping them also at their homes,” he said.

Regarding complaints of overcharging by app-based cab aggregators providing carpooling options, Mr Rai said that they were not registered in Delhi so the government had limited role in restraining them, but warned that “strict action” will be taken if any complaints are found.

He said the Kejriwal government will review success of the second phase of the odd-even before taking any decision on implementing the scheme every month for 15 days. The transport minister said reduction in pollution and traffic congestion were “inter-linked” and both will be reduced during operation of the odd-even scheme.

Mr Rai said the number of buses have been “reduced” this time as many buses ran empty during trial run of the scheme in January.

“DTC will ply around 6,000 buses. Additional 600 buses from schools and other private parties will further strengthen public transport,” he said.