The Arvind Kejriwal Government’s decision to restrict plying of private vehicles bearing odd and even registration numbers to alternate days from January1 received mixed reaction from Delhiites. Though a large number of people welcomed the odd-even formula, they expressed their worry about its implication post-implementation and wondered how the plan will be executed.
People from the National Capital Region (NCR) said the AAP Government needs to clarify the measure for people coming from Noida, Gurgaon and Faridabad where metro is the only option apart from very rare bus service where people wait for hours to board a bus for Delhi.
Nikita Arora, a 24-year-old entrepreneur who travels from Gurgaon to Delhi by her car on a regular basis, says, “Considering the pollution level in the national Capital region, I am ready to use public transport. Though Metro is cheap and safe, the Delhi Metro needs proper management to deal with peak hour rush. The DMRC must infuse more trains on routes with heavy traffic.”
Prashanti Choiden Moktan, who works with a website, says, “It’s a noble idea but what is confusing me is its implementation.” “What if I need to travel in an emergency situation to hospital or outside the city and come back the next day when my car number is not allowed… In such situation, will I be finedIJ” she questions.
Faraz Ali Khan, a professional, talks about his plight of getting an auto rickshaw. He says, “Getting an autorickshaw in the city is the biggest ordeal as no auto driver is ready to ply on meter. He says, “After the odd-even formula, the Government must ensure that the auto rickshaw drivers do not harass the public by asking unfair amount.”
One of the most reliable solutions was offered by a bunch of netizens who proposed the idea of car pooling.
According to Ritesh Verma, who works with a private news channel, the idea suggested by the AAP Government is the dire need of the Capital and suggests the idea of car pooling for people coming from far off places like Noida, “I support it… I don’t see any problem and I will apply car pooling. I will check my friend’s car and will travel together for office if we have odd and even number ending cars. The Government must come out with strong implementation of modalities,” he says.