Arvind Kejriwal claims the second phase of the Odd-Even experiment is a "success" and added that people of Delhi are following it "voluntarily."
Highlights
- 'Litmus test' for odd-even as schools, offices reopen after long weekend
- Phase two of odd-even began on Friday, will last till April 30
- Government has been tough on violators, slapping them with Rs. 2,000 fine
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal carpooled with Transport Minister Gopal Rai and Health Minister Satyendar Jain to reach his office as the second round of his Odd-Even experiment was put to its real test today with schools and offices opening after a long weekend. His car's license plate ends in an odd number - which means he cannot use it today.
As he travelled with his colleagues, Mr Kejriwal claimed the second phase of the experiment, which allows private cars to run only on alternate days, is a "success" and added that people of Delhi are following the rule "voluntarily."
"The experiment is a success because people have found alternatives (to commute) ...that is why it is a success. People are following the rule voluntarily...had they not been following it voluntarily, the number of challans would have been far too many," he said.
Odd-Even's second round began on Friday and will continue till April 30. Just like the first phase, ministers from his Aam Aadmi Party have tried to lead from the front this time too. Tourism minister Kapil Mishra tweeted a photo from his metro ride to work this morning.
But unlike January's experiment, when the government had emphasised more on voluntary action by citizens, this time it has been tougher, with 2,300 people fined on the first two days for violating the rule.
The penalty for violating Odd-Even is Rs. 2,000. The scheme is in force between 8 am and 8 pm everyday, except on Sundays, and exempts cars driven by women and listed VIPs. To that the government has added school children in uniform.
The Delhi government's biggest challenge this time was finding a solution for how students would be picked up by parents who use private cars for school runs. It failed and has suggested car-pooling.
Late on Sunday, the Delhi Auto and Taxi Unions withdrew their call for a strike on Monday to protest against app-based cab services. They said the AAP government has given them a written assurance that their demands would be fulfilled.