Odd-even live

Odd-even live: Traffic increases, challans begin to flow as cops pull up errant motorists

Apr 15, 2016

• 12:45 (IST)
  'It's difficult to get autorickshaws today'
  Firstpost's Debobrat Ghose takes a Metro ride up to ITO - one of the busiest locations in Delhi. Despite a holiday, many families are either on an outing, visiting temples or their relatives. A member of the Joshi family told Firstpost: "We boarded the Metro from Kailash Colony as we are going to Dwarka to meet my parents and elder brother's family. We had a very bad experience with autorickshaws today. Despite putting 'On Duty' board, 15 autorickshaw drivers refused to take us. It is so disturbing. Moreover, they are acting pricey. Everyday, I pay Rs 30 from my residence to the Metro station. But today, they asked for Rs 50 to 60. Odd-even drive is good, but the Delhi government must ensure proper functioning of autos. Refusal has increased and due to this common man is suffering. Public transportation has to improve."
• 12:37 (IST)
  Smooth traffic flow
  Traffic flow on the almost-empty Moti Bag Ring Road was smooth. Praval, who was travelling from Akshardham to Ghaziabad to Anand Niketan, said at most places traffic was really less.
  Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

Odd-even phase 2 begins in Delhi, roads see less congestion

• 12:25 (IST)
  'Delhi feels so different'
  "Delhi feels so different during these odd-even days. It's almost like a different city. That is one good reason why they (the government) should continue with the experiment," says an acquaintance who is on his way to the Preet Vihar Metro station. About 35 years of age, he says the younger generation is growing up accepting congested roads as a fact of life. "They are born into that. It's unfortunate. A change like this would be a welcome experience for them."
  Firstpost's Akshaya Mishra
  
• 12:20 (IST)
  Odd-even scheme a gimmick: Prashant Bhushan
  Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan on Friday termed the Delhi government's odd-even scheme a "gimmick". Citizens could offer better solutions to pollution, suggested Bhushan, formerly a key member of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Citizens may offer better solutions for pollution, bike lanes, better public transport/BRT, than gimmicks like odd/even," the lawyer said on Twitter.
  IANS
• 12:08 (IST)
  Violator of odd-even rule shares his story
  Rajesh Kalra, a trader at Lajpat Nagar, was found arguing with traffic cops. Despite Delhi Civil Defence members trying make him understand his mistake, he said, "I was not going on the main road but just took a turn from the traffic signal to get inside Lajpat Nagar market from where I operate. I had been trying to convince police but they refused to listen to my plea. It's very difficult to move in the local area without vehicle especially for traders like us."
  Firstpost's Debobrat Ghose
• 11:58 (IST)
  Ram Navami not a good excuse to avoid paying fine
  Sheila Khanuja, a homemaker at Kalkaji, was visibly perturbed and arguing with traffic cops when asked to pay the Rs 2,000 fine. Her justification for violating the rule, "I'm moving in the local vicinity. Today is Ram Navami festival and I wanted to buy puja items from the local market. I thought odd-even drive is applicable only on main roads and not within local areas." Ultimately she had to pay the fine.
  Firstpost's Debobrat Ghose
• 11:49 (IST)
  What the violators have to say
  Firstpost Chief Reporter Debobrat Ghose speaks with some of the violators of odd-even drive at different locations to find out why they violated the rule for which they had to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. Rohtah Kakkar, a businessman at Nehru Place, said: I completely forgot that the drive starts today. It slipped my mind and I started from GK II to reach Nehru Place Metro station to board Metro for ITO. Daily, I park my car at the Metro station and board the Metro. Had I been aware, I wouldn't have taken out my even numbered car. I ended up paying Rs 2,000.

Live second phase of odd even scheme starts in Delhi

• 11:43 (IST)
  Selfie Time!
  It's slow day for Civil Defense volunteers at Dabri Mod near Janak Puri with Delhiites complying with the odd-even rules.
  Firstpost's Nitish Rampal
• 11:41 (IST)
  Scene near Janak Puri
  Higher challans could mean higher compliance. Odd-even might be a success, but other traffic violations in Delhi are worth the risk.
  Firstpost's Nitish Rampal at Dabri Mod near Janak Puri (one way road)
• 11:34 (IST)
  Odd day for odd-even
  This has to be an odd day. There are just too many even-numbered vehicles out on the roads. I stay near a hospital. I would hope all these 'even' vehicles are there because they had to bring patients. Otherwise, there's no good reason why they should be around today. Unless of course, Delhiites have forgotten elementary lessons on numbers. The taxiwallah one spoke to was rather gruff: "I know numbers. I have read till college.
  Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor  
• 11:28 (IST)
  Excuses to get out of a ticket won't work
  Roshni Sethi, Delhi Civil Defence personnel at Nehru Place told Firstpost: The violators are giving flimsy excuses like they were unaware of the odd-even drive. Moreover, they are arguing to avoid paying fine. People are even saying that they took out their even numbered cars as they are moving in local vicinities. Our job is to create awareness among people on the road and assist traffic police in enforcing the law.
• 11:24 (IST)
  'No violator will be let off'
  SDM (Kalkaji) Shailendra Kumar Singh told Firstpost's Debobrat Ghose: In two hours, we've issued 12 challans to violators. Despite the government's campaign and awareness drive, there are several car owners who are violating the law. Moreover, this is the second phase of odd-even drive and not the first. By now citizens have become aware of this drive. Despite it, there are violations. No violator will be let off.
  
• 11:20 (IST)
  Cops pull up odd-even offenders
  Violators try to offer explanations to avoid paying a fine of Rs 2,000 at Sector 1 intersection Dwarka
  Firstpost's Nitish Rampal
• 11:14 (IST)
  Kejriwal and the art of massaging egos
  Arvind Kejriwal surely knows how to massage the egos of Delhiwallahs. The telephonic message from him says (it's in Hindi originally): "The whole world is discussing the implementation of the odd-even formula in Delhi in January. They are praising Delhi citizens' sense of discipline." Delhi and discipline in the same breath may sound jarring to many, but not for nothing Kejriwal is known as the people's leader. He understands how to coax and cajole people into action.
  Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor  
• 11:11 (IST)
  12 challans issued in South Delhi
  Nehru Place in South Delhi is a location to watch out for. Between 8.30 and 10.30 am, the Delhi administration has issued 12 challans to violators, including women. The fine amount is Rs 2,000. At traffic points and islands, Delhi traffic police, Delhi administration and Delhi Civil Defence personnel are jointly handling the drive.
  Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost
• 11:05 (IST)
  Higher compliance rate
  "Compliance rate much higher than odd-even 1. Hardly anyone caught since morning without proof of exemption," says Prince Sorabh, Civil Defense.
  Firstpost's Nitish Rampal at Dwarka Sector 1 Intersection
• 10:57 (IST)
  Tempers rising? 
  Violators of the odd-even rules get into an argument with Delhi cops.
  Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost
• 10:53 (IST)
  Challans for traffic violators
  SDM Kalkaji in South Delhi Shailendra Kumar Singh issues challans to violators of odd-even near Nehru Place flyover.
  Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost
  
• 10:49 (IST)
  No traffic at Gurugram intersection
  Firstpost's Nitish Rampal, reporting from Dwarka Sector 21-Gurugram underpass, writes the traffic at this usually busy intersection is congestion-free. Looks like the people of Delhi are complying with #oddevendobara. Checkpoints set up during the first odd-even stint are vacant. "Monday will be the real test. Today, is like a soft-opening on account of Ram Navami. Hopefully it'll be like this only," said Bhavdeep Singh, a resident of Dwarka, who works in Gurugram.

Odd-Even 2.0 Back in Delhi, Violators to Pay Rs 2,000 As Fine

• 10:40 (IST)
  This Sardarji won't stop being a rebel
  After the AAP government announced the odd-even formula in January, the Sardarji next door had promised to never ever vote for Arvind Kejriwal "not in this life or the next". "Phir se chalu ho gaya yaar. Chief Minister bana he logon ko paresan karne ko," he said. "What's your problem exactly, uncleji? Is he doing odd-even for his own good?" one asks. "You outsiders think you know everything about Delhi. Isn't the Kejriwal fellow from Haryana?" "So?" One is curious. "Chhodo yaar tumse baat karna hi bekar hai. I am taking out my vehicle come what may," he replied. Last time, he had issued a similar threat but had kept his car idle for the whole 15 days.
  Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor
• 10:31 (IST)
  Odd-even experience
  Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter
• 10:25 (IST)
  Open roads greet morning commuters
  Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter
• 10:22 (IST)
  'Will not make much difference'
  Gauri Das Chakrovarty, who works in Noida and has an even number car, feels that the scheme will not make a difference in the pollution levels as evident from the January experiment. "This is just harassment. I do not think much will change. My experience of last time tells me that it neither can improve traffic nor air quality," Chakrovarty.
  Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost reporter 
• 10:06 (IST)
  No congestion on roads today
  Auto driver Jai Narayan says that he has been out since morning and roads are relatively free. However, the real impact can be felt on Monday as most offices are closed on Friday
  Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter
• 10:00 (IST)
  Will Shah Rukh Khan fans make a difference? 
  The movie reviewer in Arvind Kejriwal will be at odds with Kejriwal the Chief Minister on the odd-even day. Shah Rukh Khan-starrer 'Fan' releases in theatres and it might tempt many Delhiites to hit the roads in their cars. If the re-run gets a lukewarm response, Kejriwal, besides blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can blame Shah Rukh also. Now, don't ask why?
  Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor 
• 09:58 (IST)
  A different scene today
  A stretch on the Mayur Vihar to Noida Mod, where the PWD is carrying out a construction, is usually congested. But today, it is not crowded at all
  Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter
• 09:55 (IST)
  Uber driver Gaurav Bhardwaj shares his morning experience 
  Shishir Tripathi, Reporter Firstpost
• 09:50 (IST)
  Real challenge on Monday
  Irrespective of what the response is on the first day, the the real challenge and test will be on Monday, when schools and government offices' will open after a long weekend
  Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost Chief Reporter
  
• 09:32 (IST)
  No rush on Delhi roads yet
  Firstpost Chief Reporter Debobrat Ghose from South Delhi reports that since it's a holiday due to Ram Navami, roads are comparatively clear and less congested. There are few vehicles on the roads, with no rush among commuters to reach their destinations
• 09:27 (IST)
  Delhi Transport Minister optimistic, while denizens embrace phase 2 
• 09:21 (IST)
  A lazy morning so far
  It's 9 am. People are lounging on balconies sipping their morning tea and throwing a lazy look at the roads below. They may not use them today. The streets in Patparganj are not busy yet. It is too early in the day for people to move out. Moreover, it's Ram Navami. Many offices are closed. So expect odd-even to be a roaring success on day one of the second phase. With two more lean traffic days because of the weekend, expect the AAP government to pat itself on the back for getting everything right. However, the real test is on Monday, when people will take out their vehicles to reach work. This was the case in January too, when the first round of odd-even was initiated.
  Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost senior editor
  

Kejriwal told to exempt cars ferrying brides, grooms from odd-even scheme

• 09:03 (IST)
  Second phase to continue till 30 April 
  The second phase will continue till 30 April, between 8 am and 8 pm. But not on Sunday. Vehicles running on CNG, two-wheelers, women motorists and several categories of VIPs are exempted.
  IANS
• 08:55 (IST)
  A mood of acceptance in Delhi
  Akshaya Mishra from Firstpost reports that this time, there is not much resistance from the people of Delhi. While round one faced a lot of opposition, however, for the second phase, the protests are certainly less. Though there is no noticeable change in the air pollution levels, the Delhi residents somehow feel good. 
• 08:40 (IST)
  Derek O'Brien wishes Arvind Kejriwal on Twitter 
  Delhi Chief Minister tweeted this morning rolling out the second phase and urged everyone to work together to make the scheme a success. 
• 08:23 (IST)
  Here's how some people reacted to the return of odd-even scheme: 
  
• 08:14 (IST)
  Delhi roads ready for odd-even phase two
  The only exception to the second phase of the odd-even schemes is that vehicles carrying school children will be exempted from the  odd-even rule. However, nobody is sure what rule will apply after the vehicle drops off school children. 

The odd-even experiment, aimed at curbing air pollution, will once again play out in Delhi roads from Friday, taking cars whose registration numbers end with even numbers off roads on the first day of its fortnight long implementation. However, not much rush is expected, Friday being a public holiday on account of Ramnavami.

One of the new exemptions in the second phase of the odd-even scheme is that vehicles ferrying children in school uniform will be exempted from the odd-even rule but there are concerns about what will happen when the car is on its way back after dropping the child.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the government has not been able to arrive at a solution to the problem of cars returning after dropping school children and suggested car pooling.

Kejriwal said the government has exempted vehicles carrying children in school uniform during the second phase of odd even which could pose difficulty and suggest car-pooling with neighbours to avoid problems.

"We gave it a lot of thought but no solution could be found. It will cause some problems but vehicles could be shared with neighbours," the Chief Minister said.

Kejriwal said the implementation of the odd even scheme in January did not reduce pollution "as much as expected" but it significantly helped reduce traffic congestion in the city.

The Delhi government, which has projected the second phase of the road-rationing policy as the "decisive" one, said that 2,000 traffic personnel, 580 enforcement officials and over 5,000 civil defence volunteers are being deployed for its smooth implementation.

Violators will be fined Rs 2,000 in accordance with relevant section of the Motor Vehicles Act and the scheme will not be implemented on Sundays.

Two hundred metro trains will make around 3,248 trips daily during the next fortnight, a rise of about 56 trips over the existing arrangements, DMRC has said. Fifteen additional feeder buses will also leave from stations across the city.

About 2,000 officials of Delhi Traffic Police will be deployed on roads daily. The traffic department has identified 200 intersections in the city where their personnel will be deployed in teams, with their sizes depending upon the volume of traffic in those intersections.