There have been debates on this, people have taken stands, predictions were made for a flop show and Delhiites weren’t all in agreement for something like this to be feasible on the Capital’s roads. Well, guess what, it worked like a charm. Well, at least, the rule implementation and adhering part of it. The Delhi crowd is infamous for being the rule-breakers and the jugaad applying people. There were defaulters, yes, but the majority welcomed the new rules after a day or two and the social media saw a wave of positivity regarding the Odd-Even rule.
The new year began on a ‘Be the change you want to see’ note and Delhiites joined hands in making this happen. January 1 to January 15, 2016, the world and those who call it home, saw Delhi in a light none had ever imagined. There were about 5700 volunteers who educated people regarding the policy and impact of pollution with roses and placards in their hands, people car-pooled to their workplace (including the Chief Minister, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal), eminent personnel were seen bicycling to work, the public transport system and DMRC proved their feasibility and convenience, defaulters had to pay a hefty fine and the roads were basically jam-free in the rush hour.
For those who are new to this, let’s go through the rule and the exceptions quickly.
What does the Odd-Even Rule mean?
As an effort to reduce the alarming air pollution levels in the capital and aid smooth moving traffic, the Delhi government implemented the Odd-even rule from January 1 to January 15, 2016.
It is simply what it says:
If the last digit of your license plate number is odd, you can drive on odd-numbered dates.
If the last digit of your license plate number is even, you can drive on even-numbered dates.
On Sunday, everyone can drive. It’s a free day.
I don’t understand. Could you explain with an example?
For example:
If your license plate number is 4755, you are good to go on Apr 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29.
If your license plate number is 9824, you are good to go on Apr 16, 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30.
All license plate numbers are allowed on Sunday, i.e. Apr 17 and Apr 24.
However, if:
Your license plate number is 1211 and it is Apr 22, that’s a violation.
Your license plate number is 3000 and it is Apr 21, that’s a violation.
Who all are exempted from the Odd-Even rule?
- President
- Vice President
- Prime Minister
- Chief Ministers of all states except Delhi
- Delhi Lieutenant Governor
- Lokayukta
- VIPs
- Governors
- Chief Justice of India
- Lok Sabha Speaker & Deputy Speaker
- Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman
- Union Ministers
- Leaders of Opposition in Parliament
- Supreme Court Judges
- CNG Vehicles (carry certificate as proof)
- Women Drivers with only women passengers
- Women Drivers with children below 12 years
- Emergency Vehicles
- Two-wheelers
- Vehicles with Defence Ministry number plates
- Pilot Cars
- SPG Protectees
- Embassy cars
- Vehicles of the differently-abled
- Vehicles of Transport Corporation
- Electric vehicles
- Hybrid vehicles
Please Note: If you are on the way due to a medical emergency, please carry proof.
Newly added exceptions:
Deputy CM Manish Sisodia tweeted, “Cars carrying student(s) in school uniform shall be exempted during odd-even starting 15th April.”
Even though the rule is set for another phase of 15 days, do you think this can function in Delhi for a longer duration? Should the Odd-Even Rule be implemented in Delhi at all times? Share your opinion with us. Let’s discuss.
In the subsequent pages, you will see a recap of how the Odd-Even rule fared in Phase I. Was it helpful in bringing down the pollution levels at all? What was Delhi’s reaction to this rule? How did people commute to their workplace? Does Delhi want this rule back or is the government forcefully imposing something on us? And more…
