Three days left for odd-even formula: Things you must know before driving on Delhi roads

Here, we have shared those important facts about the Odd-Even car formula that you must know.

Delhi govt's Odd-Even formula to control air pollution

New Delhi: Delhi government's odd-even car formula, which is all set to kick-start, has already caught the nation's fancy. In a move to curb the alarming air pollution in Delhi, the pilot initiative will be implemented for a 15-day period from January 1 to January 15, 2016. However, with several categories exempted from the scheme, it has to be seen if the air quality in Delhi manages to see any improvement or not.

Here, we take a look at those who will be exempted, and who won't!

1. From January 1 to 15, the driving car plates ending with an even number will be allowed to ply on roads on even-numbers dates, i.e. on 2nd, 4th, 6th and so on. The driving car plates ending with an odd number will be allowed to ply on roads on odd-numbered dates, i.e., 1st, 3rd, 5th and so on.
2. The restriction will apply between 8am and 8pm and from Monday to Saturday. Sunday will be exempted from the restriction.
3. Anyone caught violating the plan will incur a fine of Rs 2,000.
4. Single women drivers or women with kids below 12 years are exempted from restrictions.
5. Cars carrying physically disabled people or people on way to hospital for medical emergency will be exempted. Though, they will have to carry proof with them.
6. Two-wheelers, such as motorcycles and scooters, and CNG-driven public transport, including auto rickshaws and taxis, have been exempted.
7. Emergency vehicles such as ambulances, fire tenders, prison vehicles and hearses are also kept out of the restriction.
8. The Delhi government will strengthen the public transport system with 6,000 additional buses added to the roads and Delhi Metro running 70 additional trips during the pilot initiative.
9. All public and private schools in Delhi to remain closed during the trial.
10. SPG protectees, vehicles of Leaders of Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, judges of Supreme Court and Delhi High Court will not be covered under the scheme. Vehicles and convoy of President, Prime Minister, all state Chief Ministers except for Delhi are exempted from the regulations.
11. Embassy vehicles bearing CD numbers, cars with defence ministry number plates, vehicles which are having a pilot or escort have also been exempted.
12. Senior citizens, doctors, lawyers, who have petitioned the government seeking exemption, will have to abide by the regulations, after their request was turned down.

Criticism:

1. Already over crowded Metros and Delhi Transport buses are unlikely to accommodate Delhi people travelling daily in at least 27 lakhs cars.
2. Delhi government is facing severe criticism for exempting VIPs and two-wheelers from the restrictions.
3. Delhi government has followed Beijing formula to tackle city's air pollution. However very few know that despite bringing in the Odd-Even car formula, the problem still remain unresolved there.