The odd-even scheme will make a comeback in the national Capital with bang and sources said the Government is planning to promote the second edition of the scheme with the slogan, Dilli mangey dil se, odd-even phir se (Delhi wants odd-even again, from the bottom of its heart).
However, the exemption for women drivers may be discontinued in the second edition of the scheme this time around.
In the first edition of the scheme, women-only cars were exempted and were allowed ply on both even and odd days.
However, two-wheelers are again likely to be exempted from the scheme as their inclusion will stretch the already burdened public transport system beyond its limits, sources said.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is expected announce the dates for the second edition of the city Government’s flagship programme on Thursday. “The scheme is all set to make a comeback. Ministers, including the CM will announce the dates in a Press conference on Thursday,” sources said.
According to Transport Minister Gopal Rai, the Government on Wednesday will review the feedback of over 11 lakh responses from the public through multiple channels and will make the announcement after the review is completed. Sources said its next phase could be enforced in April after the CBSE Board examinations.
“The Delhi Government will take a decision on the future of odd-even tomorrow (Thursday). The public feedback report is being prepared today,” Rai tweeted on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, a survey published by Change.org based on the responses of 13,500 residents of the national Capital has found out that 78 per cent of them are seeking the plan’s re-introduction in the city while around 53 per cent backing its implementation for good. Interestingly, 92 per cent of those supporting its return said they will not buy a second car if the scheme returns.
“Almost 13,500 Delhiites participated in the survey out of whom 10,514 were in favour of the scheme while 2,940 voted against it,” Preethi Herman, India head of the portal said.
The road rationing experiment, aimed at curbing air pollution, was implemented from January 1-15 in its first phase with Sundays being exempted.
Subsequently, the Government invited public opinion through emails, missed calls, online forms and also reached out to around 9 lakh people through interactive voice response system.
AAP MlAs, who organised Jan Sabhas on the issue, have claimed that public opinion was “overwhelmingly” in favour of re-introduction of the scheme.