Kejriwal carpools, Delhi ministers share rides, use public transport on Day 1 of odd-even plan

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi government ministers, Aam Aadmi Party leaders and bureaucrats supported the city's odd-even plan by cycling, using public transport buses and providing carpooling in their official vehicles to others.

New Delhi: The roll out of odd-even scheme on Friday saw Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal joining cabinet ministers Gopal Rai and Satyendra Jain in a car pool to reach the Delhi Secretariat.

"I am truly overwhelmed by the response we have received so far. Delhiites have made an impossible task possible," Kejriwal told media before leaving for the Delhi Secretariat.

"By and large, the people of Delhi have welcomed this (Odd-Even formula) and this is being very successfully implemented till now. I had earlier also said that this can only be implemented if people follow it with their hearts and it becomes a movement," he added.

Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra was also seen using a bike to reach his office.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who has an odd-numbered car, also asserted that he would strictly abide by the odd-even formula and would be using his bicycle to go to office on even dates.

"I have an odd-numbered car and I would be using that on odd dates. While on even days, I would be using my bicycle to go to office. From there, if I would have to go somewhere, then I would pool in with my colleagues," he said.

Environment Minister Imran Hussain left for Delhi Secretariat in an e-rickshaw.  Mehrauli MLA Naresh Yadav cycled with his supporters to support the initiative.

Social Welfare Minister Sandeep Kumar planned to ride a bus on Day 1 of the new rules.

For 15 days from today, private vehicles will be allowed only on alternate days in a big step to clean up one of the world's most polluted capitals. Only odd-numbered cars are allowed on the roads today.

Those found violating the rule will be fined Rs. 2,000. Initially, the scheme will be on trial basis for 15 days.

VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are among the 25 categories that have been exempted from the scheme.

However, the exemption will not apply to Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues as they have decided to abide by the rule.

Commuters who encounter problems are invited to use these two helplines - 011-42400400 and 011- 41400400.

They can also tweet @transportdelhi for information.