AAP Government’s Odd-Even Rule Begins in Delhi: 10 Developments

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Jan 01, 2015:  A radical odd-even rule began for cars in Delhi at 8 am on New Year’s Day. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government appealed to people on Thursday: "The whole country is watching us."

   
Today, only odd-numbered cars are allowed on the roads as part of a 15-day plan to allow private vehicles on alternate days.
   
"We must think of our children. For the sake of Delhi, let us stop thinking that we will only use our own cars," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said this morning.
   
Shortly after the rule came into force, an even-numbered car was stopped at the major ITO intersection and the driver was fined.
   
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers will car-pool to work, take buses or ride their bicycles. Mr Kejriwal, who has an odd-numbered car, will provide carpooling in his official vehicle to two ministers- Gopal Rai, the Transport Minister, and Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
   
Tourism minister Kapil Mishra has taken a motorbike to work. Environment Minister Imran Hussain, who has an even-numbered car, says he will use an autorickshaw.
   
Many offices and residents’ associations have arranged car-pools. The union home ministry has also organised car-pooling for its officers.
   
The government has said that special buses will ferry people between Delhi, Gurgaon and Noida.
   
Those who violate the odd-even rule will be fined Rs. 2,000 by traffic policemen and officials. Exceptions have been made for medical emergencies, women, VIPs, CNG cars and two-wheelers.
   
Thousands of volunteers are at traffic intersections carrying placards explaining the rules. They cannot stop cars, but have been asked to hand out flowers to offenders.
   
To cope with the extra pressure on the public transport network, the government has hired around 3,000 private buses. Schools have been ordered to remain closed till January 15 so that their buses can also be used.