Kejriwal’s odd-even scheme faces litmus test as Delhi returns to work after New Year weekend

New Delhi: Four days after it was implemented, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ‘s odd-even scheme for vehicular movement in the city will face its real test on Monday when it will witness maximum traffic during office hours..Most of the Delhi’s traffic has been off-road since January 1 due to weekend and New Year holidays.

Although, Delhi government has made several arrangements to tackle the increased pressure on public transport but Monday will witness the real test of all the preparations and claims.

The odd-even vehicular restriction policy of the Delhi government came into effect on January 1 with thousands of volunteers taking to the streets to assist traffic police in enforcing the pilot plan that will stay in force till January 15.

25 categories have received exemption from the restrictions, including emergency service vehicles, taxis and cars being driven by women, which may have only female co-passengers and children up to age of 12. Two wheelers and CNG-run vehicles have also been exempted.

Under the scheme, private cars bearing odd registration plates are allowed to ply on odd dates while those with even numbers shall do so on even dates. Those caught violating the scheme have to pay a penalty of Rs 2,000. On the first two days of the odd-even scheme trial, 479 people were challaned for violation of the norms.