Delhi Odd-Even plan: Less traffic a relief but problems galore for daily commuters

Delhi Government's ambitious odd-even scheme to curb pollution in the national capital which was rolled out Friday garnered mixed response from the commuters with some of them lauding it for the "futuristic approach" and a few dubbing it "impractical".

"It is definitely difficult to begin with. Someone who has driven down to office for few years can't easily get used to travelling by metro or public buses instantly. But considering the congestion and increasing pollution, I believe this is a futuristic approach which was urgently needed at the moment," said Gyanatosh Jha, a marketing professional.

Rafeeq, a taxi driver, said that his passengers were happy to see less traffic.

"The tourists are at ease today. Otherwise they always criticise the traffic system and long jams in Delhi. I have been driving taxi for 15 years and congestion has been a major problem. I believe it is good step by the government," he said.

The first prosecution for violating the restrictions odd-even scheme took place at ITO junction around 33 minutes after the restrictions were implemented this morning.

While being imposed with the Rs 2,000 penalty, the offender told the police that he was heading towards his office and there was no convenient transport facility from Pari Chowk, the intersection between NOIDA and Greater NOIDA, which is close to his residence, said a senior traffic official.

Advocating exemption for medical professionals under the scheme, a doctor said, "I have two cars which are both odd so that means I work just half a week or I take cabs. Now I cannot predict emergency, the most essential service as far as Delhi is concerned is the medical force and we are not exempted under the scheme.

"I think the idea is good but I will request the Chief Minister to relook at the modalities. A lot of us are in intensive care practice and they should look at it sensitively," he added. 

"Overwhelmed" by the response of the people to the car rationing experiment, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the pilot initiative of the AAP government has turned "into a movement".

"Delhi will show the way to the rest of the country," Kejriwal told reporters outside his residence.

Kejriwal shared his car to the Secretariat with transport Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyender Jain. They live in North Delhi's Civil Lines area.

Delhi Police Chief B S Bassi once again appealed to people to follow the restrictions. "I appeal to people to cooperate with Delhi Traffic Police for 15 days," he said, adding that adequate personnel have been deployed for implementation of the scheme throughout the city.

He said that "today's focus will largely be on educating people about the scheme. However, prosecution for violating the same shall be at place."

Two-wheelers are included in the list of 25 categories that have been kept out of the ambit of the scheme.