It may sound odd, even as you read, but the odd-even car rule is a mixed bag.
The rule will be implemented from January 1, between 8 am and 8 pm, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced.
On one hand, the move seems fair. Delhi has more vehicles than Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai put together, says Centre for Science and Environment.
Within one year – between 2013-14 and 2014-15 – vehicle registration of cars has increased by 14 per cent. The city already has 8.8 million vehicles and is roughly adding more than 1400 vehicles a day. The increase in diesel cars is also increasing the risk of lung cancer in the city.
But on the other hand, the rule is being slammed by policy experts as lacking direction.
The complete blueprint for the ambitious odd-even formula will be ready by December 25. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has assured that the government will discontinue the move after 10 to 15 days if people face problems.
In the meanwhile, we tell you everything you need to know about this ambitious plan.
Now What About Two-Wheelers?
It is also not yet clear whether two-wheelers will be included while applying the odd-even formula. Environmentalists say the hundreds of thousands of two-wheelers that ply in the city also contribute to pollution and need to be curbed.
Who Will Be Exempted?
Various categories of commuters will be exempted from the odd and even operation rules. These include the sick, disabled, women and those returning home after the date changes from odd to even and vice-versa.
Who will be covered and who will be exempted is yet to be decided.
Satyendar Jain, Cabinet Minister, Delhi Govt
The government is deliberating whether vehicles driven by women should be exempted or those ferrying only women should be given relaxation. Those exempted from the odd-even formula will probably be given some kind of pass or a license like card.
What About Ministers and Babus?
Odd-Even formula will be applicable on all ministers and officers.
Is Public Transport Equipped to Handle the Overload?
At present, Delhi has 4,700 DTC buses, by which nearly 45 lakh people commute daily. Estimates say there’s a requirement of 11,000 new buses to accommodate Delhi’s aam janata.
The Delhi Metro has 216 trains which are used by nearly 25 lakh passengers daily. For a city with a population of about 9.87 million, that number is still not enough.
Public transport, including DTC buses and the Delhi Metro, will have to up their operations by 20 per cent to cater to the increased load.
Has Any Other City Followed This Model?
Beijing, Mexico city, Bogota, Sao Paolo, Santiago, and Paris have implemented this formula and have demonstrated pollution reduction. In Beijing, citizens were compensated with a three-month vehicular tax exemption.
What About Cars Entering Delhi From the NCR Region, or Outside?
The government is considering making the odd and even number operation applicable to cars entering Delhi from outside, including NCR cars with a Haryana or UP number plate, Public Works Department Minister Satyendar Jain has said.
How Will We Know If It’s Working?
Air samples will be collected from 200 locations across the national capital on a regular basis and will be analysed to determine the air quality. LED display boards will be set-up at these locations to update the people about it. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will be carrying out this task.
How to Address Those Who Violate the Rules?
Prosecution, or challan? For the rich and arrogant Delhi, a fine of Rs 500 is nothing! In that case, what strict punishment will the government come up with?
What About the Already Clogged Delhi Metro?
Frequencies of metro trains are going to be increased and two additional coaches will be added to them.
How Will the Govt Keep Tab?
Delhi has an extensive road network of some 30,000 km, that accounts for about 22 per cent of its geographical area. The city has more than 2.6 million private cars registered at the end of March.
With so many cars, so many roads, and not enough traffic policemen, how does the government plan to keep a check on the enforcement of this new policy?
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)