Odd-even rule comes back to Delhi from April 15

The Delhi Government's road rationing scheme will return in April, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Thursday.

The 'odd-even' policy, which was first implemented for 15 days starting January 1, will be in force from April 15 to 30, Mr. Kejriwal said at a press conference here. Private vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd or even digits will be allowed to ply on odd and even numbered dates respectively.

Once again, women will be exempted from the restrictions, Mr. Kejriwal said. But, he added that the government was yet to deliberate on the other categories of commuters who were exempted last time. However, two-wheelers will continue to be exempted as the public transport in Delhi would not be able to take the load, said the Chief Minister.

Last time round, sub-divisional magistrates were roped in for enforcing the restrictions. But, Mr. Kejriwal said this affected work at the SDM's offices. For phase two, 500 retired defence personnel will be roped in to act as traffic enforcement inspectors.

The announcement comes after the government carried out surveys and public consultations through mohalla sabhas to find out what Delhiites thought of the scheme. Releasing the results of the surveys, Mr. Kejriwal said 81 per cent of respondents wanted the odd-even policy to return.

Out of a total 276 mohalla sabhas held, just one in Vishwas Nagar said it was not in favour of odd-even.