Odd-even number scheme: Delhi government to come out with full proof plan on driving rule by Dec 25

NEW DELHI: Amid debates over the practicality of the proposed alternate-days rule for plying of vehicles in the streets, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai today said that government will come out with a "full proof plan" before December 25.

The measure has been suggested by the AAP dispensation with an aim to curb air pollution in the national capital, where number of vehicles are swellings day by day.

"We are working on all aspects of the decision and the suggestions made. The scheme is to be implemented from January 1. We will come out with a full proof plan before December 25," Rai said at an event here.

In the backdrop of the decision, the city government is also planning to strengthen the public transport system by introducing more buses and increasing the frequency of Metro trains to accommodate the rush of commuters. Rai said the DMRC and Delhi Traffic Police will be approached in this regard and a strategy be worked out.

The odd-even number scheme, similar to the one in place in Beijing and Singapore, allows vehicles with number plates ending with an odd number to be driven on one day while those ending with an even number can be plied the alternate day, meaning that a motorist will be able to ply his vehicle only for 15 days a month.

According to senior officials, odd-numbered cars will be allowed to ply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while even-numbered vehicles will run on the other days - Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Emergency services like ambulances and public transport will not be under the ambit of the restriction.

Delhi government also has decided to take a series of steps to cut pollution which include shutting down of a thermal power plant and making it mandatory for vehicles to have Euro VI emission norms from 2017.