Delhi govt takes U-turn, calls off odd-even plan

The Delhi government has called-off the odd-even traffic scheme, which was to be implemented from 13-17 November. The government's decision was announced after an emergency cabinet meeting following the blistering criticism by the National Green Tribunal.

Delhi transport minister Kailash in a surprise announcement on Saturday, said that "Odd-even scheme from November 13-17 in the national capital has been called off, the Delhi Transport Minister," Kailash Gahlot, said.

Gahlot said the odd-even plan has been called off in view of the order by NGT which withdrew all exemptions except on plying of emergency vehicles.

The government is not ready "to compromise with the safety of women" after the NGT ordered that there should be no exemption to anyone expect emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire tenders, he said.

"If 30 lakh two-wheelers are off the road, Delhi's public transport system cannot accommodate the surge," claims Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot as he announced that the odd-even scheme has been called off.

Earlier in the day, the NGT had disallowed women and two-wheelers being exempted under the scheme. The Delhi government on Saturday afternoon also cited these conditions as a reason for calling off the scheme.

"In light of the two conditions by NGT on 2 wheelers & women, at the moment we are calling it off. We will go back to NGT on Monday, file a review petition for them to reconsider their decision regarding the two," Gehlot said.

OneIndia News