Kejriwal's Odd-Even Decision Today, Women Could Lose Exemption In Round 2

New Delhi: It's near-certain now that Delhi will undergo a second round of 'Odd-Even' - when the traffic scheme will relaunch will be announced by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at 4 pm today.

Sources say April, after the Class 10 and 12 board exams finish, is when the traffic restrictions will apply.

In the second round, women drivers could lose the exemption they enjoyed in January. But two-wheelers are likely to be kept out again, sources said, as the government does not want to overload the already burdened public transport system.

Delhi began 2016 with a court-ordered attempt to cut its toxic smog. The government banned private cars on alternate days. For a fortnight, cars with odd-numbered plates were allowed on the road on odd-numbered dates; even-numbered cars were permitted on the others.

"Dilli mangey dil se, odd-even phir se (Delhi wants odd-even again, from the bottom of its heart)," said Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, claiming that the capital is longing for Odd-Even 2.0.

He said the public, in an over-whelming response to the call for feedback, has sent 12 lakh suggestions to the government's website and 9,000 emails. The top 20 suggestions, picked for their unique ideas, were presented to the chief minister on Wednesday.


Sources said a stiff fine will continue in round 2, but the government could also reward those who follow Odd-Even despite being exempted. Supreme Court judges won praise in the last round for car-pooling despite being kept out of odd-even.

Experts disagree on whether the traffic restrictions in January reduced pollution in the city; the courts pointed out the need for more public transport; commuters said metros were packed but driving suddenly turned into a far easier feat than it has been for years.

The government completes its first year in office on Sunday, February 14. Cabinet ministers will join Mr Kejriwal on stage to take calls from residents for two hours.