Odd-Even phase II

Delhi govt decodes reasons for traffic jams; new cars, new e-rickshaws, new rules

The AAP government Wednesday drew up a list of possible reasons — including registration of new cars and introduction of new e-rickshaws — for the traffic snarls plaguing parts of the city. This comes a day after the government said local issues were responsible for the heavy traffic.

Officials of the transport department drew up a four-point explainer on reasons for the increase in traffic jams during the second phase of odd-even.

The first point cited the new exemption on vehicles carrying “school children wearing uniforms”. The rule exempts such vehicles from the odd-even rule, increasing the number of cars, especially during peak traffic hours. Unlike the last time when winter holidays were on, schools across the city are open and functioning at this time of the year.

The second cites the registration of 12,000 new CNG cars in the capital. “The CNG cars are exempted. There might be cars which attach CNG kits to earn an exemption this odd-even season or for other reasons like driving long distances,” said a government official.

The third reason cited was the registration of over 1.64 lakh cars in Delhi since January 1. “Roughly half of these cars will be added to the regular flow of traffic in the city. If the cars have been bought and are being driven by female drivers, the number goes up automatically,” another official said. The fourth reason cited was the introduction of 7,000 new e-rickshaws.

The government’s most tangible positive from the first phase of odd-even proved to be decongested roads. That has come under a cloud this time around with complaints of traffic jams from different parts of the city.

Transport Minister Gopal Rai had Tuesday cited “local issues”, and not odd-even, as the reason for traffic jams. “I have spoken to the three bodies, requesting them to ease traffic in their respective areas by regulating construction work at non-peak traffic times of the day,” he said.