Odd-Even: Due to poor response, Delhi govt withdraws 'MP Special DTC buses'

New Delhi: Delhi government has withdrawn the special air-conditioned buses it rolled out to ferry Members of Parliament (MPs) to and fro during the on-going odd-even car rationing scheme due to poor response from the Parliamentarians.

Only four-five lawmakers availed of the facility of DTC's "MP Special" to reach Parliament on the first day of the launch of the service.

In view of the Parliament session, Delhi government had announced it would deploy six air-conditioned buses to ferry MPs and appealed to them to follow the odd-even scheme.

The 'MP Special' buses were to ply from 9 am to 11 am and 5:30 pm to 8 pm.

The odd-even scheme on Monday came under attack in Parliament with some members alleging it would lead to "corruption" and was aimed at "insulting" MPs as they sought exemption from the scheme to attend the House.

BJP MP Paresh Rawal violated the odd-even rule by reaching the House in his even-numbered car, following which he apologised to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"Made a serious blunder by travelling in a odd number car to Parliament... Sorry to Arvind ji n Delhiite...(sic)," Rawal tweeted.

The BJP MP later tweeted a challan copy, saying he has paid a fine for violating the odd-even rule.

According to Delhi government, a help desk has also been set up on Parliament premises to assist lawmakers in availing of the bus service.

A senior government official said that keeping security of MPs in mind, some security personnel will also be deployed in these buses.

MPs have not been given exemption under the odd-even scheme, the second phase of which started on April 15 and will end on April 30. The violation of the car-rationing scheme attracts a penalty of Rs 2,000.

President, Prime Minister, Vice-President, union ministers, Chief Justice of India, judges of high courts, women among others are exempted under it.