Odd Even Part 3 – What to Expect.

When the odd-even vehicle number plate formula was enforced in Delhi, it was by way of an emergency measure meant to reduce vehicular pollution in the city. It was a fair success when it was implemented in winter but significantly less successful when was put into place in summer. The odd-even measure is now back in response to the dangerously high pollution levels in the city and will be in place from 13 November 2017.

The air quality in Delhi continued to be around the severe level for yet another day. Schools are shut and construction and industrial activities have also been halted for the present. Flights and trains are delayed as a result of the smog, vehicular traffic has slowed down and there are also reports of serious accidents because of poor visiblity from the smog.

The AAP government led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has come under fire for failing to curb pollution preventing a repeat of the past years. The BJP municipal councils of Delhi are also to blame as are the BJP governments of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana for failing to control stubble burning that is largely responsible for the current spike in pollution levels this time of the year.

Now that the air quality has remained in the severe zone for over two days, the odd-even road rationing measure is being rolled out as an emergency measure from Tuesday14th November 2017.

Cars with even numbered license plates will be permitted to be on the roads on even numbered dates (2^nd, 4^th, 6^th and so on) and cars with odd numbered license plates will be allowed to ply on odd numbered dates (1^st, 3^rd, 5^th and so on). The rules will be in force from 8 AM to 8 PM on week days – from Monday to Friday.

Women drivers and two wheelers as well as differently abled drivers will be exempt from the odd even scheme. Auto rickshaws, emergency vehicles, PCR vans and so on will also be exempt. CNG vehicles will also be exempt so long as they have the sticker seals visibly displayed. The list above details the full list of exempt vehicles during the odd-even scheme.

Large trucks, known to be a significant contributor to pollution, will not be allowed into the city except when bearing essential commodities. Parking charges have been increased to 4X regular charges to discourage use of private cars.

Certain extra measures will be put in place to encourage compliance with the odd even rule. Extra police forces and voluntary enforcers will be deployed to check violations. A fine of Rs 2000 will be levied for violators.

The Delhi government will be hiring 500 buses from private contractors to ease matters for commuters who will be unable to use their vehicles on alternate days. 100 small buses will also be provided by the Delhi Metro.