Odd-even rule may not work in Mumbai, need time-based toll: Top cop Ahmad Javed

Could the Delhi government's new odd-even formula for vehicles work in Mumbai? Perhaps, but several fallouts of the rule will have to be considered before execution. That's according to Mumbai Police Commissioner Ahmad Javed. Ahmad said that over 300 vehicles are registered in the city daily.

Speaking at a discussion on making Mumbai safer organised by Mumbai First at Bombay Stock Exchange last week, Ahmad suggested an alternate plan. "Ideally, if you ask me, there should be a toll/taxation system on a time-basis if vehicles are entering a certain area in the peak hours. This rule exists in Singapore and other places," he said.

On the new rule to be implemented in the capital, he said, "(In Delhi), I don't know the details. But the rule opens up a lot of aspects that need to be taken care of." From January 1, citizens in Delhi will be banned from using private vehicles with odd and even numbers on alternate days, for a period of 15 days.

Ahmad listed a few issues if the same rule is applied in Mumbai, "First, we have vehicles coming from outside. People might have two vehicles with the same even number." He further added, "Many times in India, we choose numbers based on birthdates or auspicious occasions."