While the second edition of the odd-even scheme is set to kick off with almost the same list of exemptions, it must be pointed out that an overwhelming majority of people had voted against many of the exemptions including those given to vehicles of VIPs, two-wheelers and vehicles driven by women.
In fact, the list of exemptions has increased from the earlier 25 categories to a total of 30 categories in the draft notification this time with the most notable addition of vehicles carrying students in uniform.
In a survey conducted by the Delhi Government, around 70 per cent of people had voted against exemption to vehicles with diplomatic registration plates. Around 67 per cent of people had voted against exemption to Chief Ministers of other States and Union Territories. Around 64 per cent also voted against exemption to Governors of other States and lt Governors of Union Territories.
Apart from that, around 65 per cent of people had also voted against exemption to two-wheelers, while 60 per cent voted against exemption to women.
Notably, the Government had also made statements that the exemption list may be revised for the second edition of the scheme and two-wheelers may also be brought under the ambit of the scheme. However, despite a majority of respondents voting against exemption to two-wheelers, the Government has decided to exempt them yet again.
According to a study conducted by IIT Delhi, there was a significant increase in motorised two wheeler flow rates in the Capital during odd-even part one, which can be expected this time around as well.
“During the odd-even experiment car flow rates per hour on different roads decreased by 9 per cent -17 per cent in parallel with approximately similar increases in bus flow and auto rickshaw rates and significant increases in motorised two wheeler flow rates. Increases in flow of all vehicles other than cars will offset the decrease in emissions from cars. Significant increase in motorised two-wheeler flow can have the effect of increase in deaths and serious injuries as these vehicles are much more hazardous than all the other transport modes,” the study said.
It further pointed out that the combined PM2.5 emissions of buses, three-wheelers and motorised two-wheelers is estimated to be 20 per cent of the transport sector compared to cars that contribute an estimated 16 per cent. “In light of the fact that increase in flow of buses, three wheelers and motorised two wheelers seems to be of a similar magnitude as the decrease in car flow, the effect of decrease in PM2.5 emissions by cars would be even less. It is possible that the decrease in emissions from cars may be offset by an increase in flow of other vehicles,” the report added.
In such a scenario, it could be said exemptions in current form could significantly reduce the benefits that could be gained from the ambitious odd-even scheme.