Odd-Even Can Be Made Permanent in Delhi in 1.5 Years: Gopal Rai

Delhi’s transport minister said Odd-Even scheme can be made permanent after developing Delhi’s transport system.

In an exclusive interview with CNN-IBN, Delhi’s transport minister Gopal Rai talked about the various measures that the government is taking to make the Odd-Even scheme successful.

He said the decision to make the scheme permanent hasn’t been taken yet, keeping in mind the shortcomings of Delhi’s existing transport system.

Currently, the capital city has 6000 DTDC buses, out of which many breakdown, frequently causing inconvenience to commuters. Unlike the previous trial, schools and offices will be open during the phase two and with the soaring temperatures, the implementation of the scheme for the second time will be more challenging.

Keeping the difference in weather conditions in mind, between the first trial run of the Odd-Even scheme and the second phase, interviewer Bhupendra Chaubey questioned Gopal Rai on how the government will be making sure that the scheme does not cause inconvenience to the citizens of Delhi.

In the case of a breakdown, one simply has to call the central control room which will direct the bus to the closest depot to fix the mechanical problem. The helpline number is 011-41400400. A bus will be diverted to pick up the stranded passengers in 15 minutes’ time.

Gopal Rai, Minister of Transport of Delhi

He also said that as per the government’s plan, the city will be fully equipped to have a more permanent odd-even scheme in one and a half years.

Currently, we will be providing 600 new buses, but we’re pushing for 1000 more. We have already acquired the tender to build 12 new bus depots, out of which one is under construction. The biggest problem in Delhi is acquiring land for these depots.

Gopal Rai, Minister of Transport of Delhi

Speaking about the medical conditions that PM-10 can cause, he said that a pilot project of cleaning Delhi’s road with a vacuum cleaner is being planned. Additionally, a guideline has been sent to construction work authorities to be able to minimize the pollution that comes from it.

When asked about how the government will carry out these necessary developments in the city without working together with the Central government, Rai said:

For the sake of Dilliwallahs, we will try to work with the Central government. Our motto is work but if they try to destabilize the government then we will not keep quiet.