Delhi Smog: Odd-Even Policy to Return, Women & Two-Wheeler Exempt

The call comes after the air pollution level in Delhi increased at an alarming rate.

Motorists drive surrounded by smog in New Delhi.

(Photo: AP)

The Delhi government is set to enforce the odd-even policy for vehicles from 13 to 17 November, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot told PTI on Thursday, 9 November.

The scheme will be in place from 8 am to 8 pm. However, there will be exemptions for women drivers and two-wheelers.

The exemptions will be similar to those in 2016, and there is no need for people to panic.   

Kailash Gahlot   

The Delhi Government has asked DTC to hire 500 buses from private contractors to tackle the rush of commuters, reported PTI.

Delhi Metro has also promised to provide 100 small buses during the period. Schools will be free to provide their buses voluntarily. However, there will be no compulsion.   

Kailash Gahlot   

CNG vehicles with stickers in place will be exempt. The stickers are available at 22 Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) stations across Delhi from 2 pm on Friday. The old stickers issued in the previous edition of odd-even will be valid as well.

The transport minister also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to call a meeting of chief ministers of states adjoining the capital, as well as Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and find a solution to the crisis.

The call comes after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) pulled up the Delhi government and civic bodies over the prevailing air pollution in Delhi and parts of North India.

The Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi Government had implemented the car rationing scheme in 2016, during which vehicles will be allowed to ply on roads based on their odd or even license plates and the corresponding date.

The plan was put in place twice for 14 days each in January and April 2016 respectively, to control the deteriorating air quality in Delhi NCR.

Follow live updates on how Delhi is tackling its air pollution crisis.

(With inputs from ANI)