Odd-even rule: 38 lakh people travelled in DTC buses on Day 1

NEW DELHI: More than 38 lakh commuters opted for buses of Delhi Transport Corporation ( DTC) on the first day of odd-even road rationing scheme implemented for 15 days.

According to the public transporter, 5,700 buses, including 2,000 private buses which also ply under the newly-introduced 'DTC Paryavaran Bus Sewa', came out on the capital roads yesterday.

DTC's spokesperson R S Minhas said that in normal days, around 35 lakh people travel in corporation's buses every day, but on the first day of traffic-restriction plan, around 38.17 lakh commuters availed the DTC buses.

"DTC will also ply its buses in good numbers on Monday to cater to commuters so that they won't have to face problems while using public transport," Minhas added.

The Arvind Kejriwal government has introduced odd-even scheme, aimed at reducing rising pollution level in the national capital.

Today was the second day of odd-even plan which saw odd-numbered cars staying largely off the roads in Delhi. Following the odd-even rule, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has an even-numbered car, also cycled to his office today.

Across the city, including at major arteries in central Delhi, traffic police were seen stopping violators. Yesterday, 200 errant motorists were challaned by traffic and the city's transport department for violating the 15-day rule.

The unprecedented restrictive measures, aimed at curbing pollution, was rolled out in the city yesterday and led to a major cut in the number of cars on city roads.