The Delhi government on Thursday said that the second phase of the odd-even number plate scheme in the city will be implemented from April 15–30. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that 81% of the respondents to a government survey wanted the scheme to be reinstated after its first 15-day trial in January, while 63% wanted it to be implemented permanently. Women and two-wheelers will again be exempted from the rule, Kejriwal said. He added that his government is hopeful of adding 3,000 buses to the city's public transport by the end of the year. The government is training 500 retired defence personnel to serve as traffic enforcement officials during the second phase of the scheme.
The odd-even scheme was first implemented in the national capital region for a 15-day trial period, from January 1 to 15. The AAP government resorted to this move after air quality in the national capital worsened to alarming levels. After claiming a successful first trial, the Aam Aadmi Party government had sought the public’s opinion on the scheme via emails and a helpline number.
According to officials, the government received more than 1,82,808 missed calls on the helpline number, more than 28,300 suggestions online and around 9,000 emails. The state transport department claim they made as many as 10 lakh calls in the city to gather feedback on the odd-even formula.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!