For the next odd-even scheme kicking off from April 15, Transport Minister Gopal Rai is writing to Transport Ministers of all neighboring States to make the commuters coming to Delhi from those States aware of the odd-even restrictions, which will be applicable to them as well.
During the first phase of the scheme, it was found out that maximum number of offenders during the 15-day period were from neighboring States. Under the scheme, cars with odd and even licence plates ply on alternate days.
While announcing that the notification on odd-even II will be issued on April 8, Rai said he will write to the Governments of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh urging them to create awareness on the guidelines of the road rationing measure. On its part, the Delhi Government will launch a publicity campaign, ‘Dilli bole dil se, odd even phir se’, on April 1 during which multiple communication channels like television and the radio, and advertisements on buses and metro will be used to reach out to the people.
Rai refused to confirm if women will still be exempted from the scheme and said the decision on the same will be taken soon.
“Personally, I am in favour of exempting women, but the opinion is divided according to the survey we undertook. We will put out the final notification on April 8,” he said.
The Pioneer had reported earlier this month that 50 percent of seats in the special bus service being kicked off during odd-even period will be reserved for women indicating that women-only cars may also be brought under the ambit of the scheme this time around.
Rai said like the first edition, CNG cars have been kept out of the ambit of the odd-even scheme this time around as well. “CNG stickers will be available from April 1 at a centre near CGO Complex at lodhi Road. The centre will remain open from 8 am to 8 pm everyday,” he said while announcing that stickers procured during the first edition of the scheme will be valid as well.
Rai said registration of additional buses that will be pressed into service during the period, have already started while the process to involve ex-servicemen who are to be deployed along with civil defence volunteers will begin soon. A committee, headed by the Transport Commissioner, has also been appointed to find ways to improve ‘Poochh-O’ app which helps commuters during the odd-even measure.
“On April 13, volunteers as well drivers of DTC and Delhi Metro officials among others will assemble at the Chhatrasal stadium and take oath to make the drive successful,” he said.
Trial of the air quality monitoring system, which will be put in place during the 16-day period till April 30, will begin on April 6, he said. This time, air quality will be monitored not only in Delhi but in NCR areas as well.
The first phase of the odd-even scheme was rolled out on January 1 for 15 days. The second edition will start on April 15 and will last for 16 days till April 30.