From January 1, trucks will be allowed into Delhi from 11 pm against the existing 9 pm as part of measures to reduce pollution.
As per rough estimates, around 50,000 trucks enter Delhi every day, contributing to the pollution levels in the city.
“Delhi government has issued a notification to allow entry of trucks in the capital only from 11 pm, instead of existing 9 pm, starting from next year,” Delhi home minister Satyendar Jain, who is also the nodal minister for fighting pollution, explained. Mr Jain said the decision pertaining to trucks has been taken as part of efforts to reduce pollution levels in the capital. “The move to extend by two hours no-entry for trucks will help us reduce pollution,” he said.
Delhi transport minister Gopal Rai had recently met Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari to expedite construction of the Eastern Peripheral Highway and Western Peripheral Expressway so that trucks don’t have to use Delhi’s roads.
Meanwhile, the Delhi traffic police is all set to chart out an action plan for the scheme in the city, with the notification for implementing the plan due on Monday.
“We are awaiting the notification but implementing the action plan wouldn't take much time. All that is needed to be done is that the present traffic officials shall have to be briefed, especially with regard to the various exemptions, and provisions of Motor Vehicles Act under which the scheme has been accommodated,” special commissioner of police Muktesh Chander on Thursday said.
“Once the notification is received, senior traffic officers shall be briefed,” he added.
