Odd-even formula: Delhi govt to issue permits to 10k new autos

New Delhi, Dec 13: The Delhi government will issue permits to 10,000 new autorickshaws by the end of this month in a bid to strengthen the public transport system in the national capital ahead of the odd-even vehicle scheme coming into force from January 1.

The Arvind Kejriwal government has already announced that it will add 6,000 additional buses to the city's roads to facilitate commuters during the 15-day trial period of the odd-even formula.

According to the transport department, there are currently 80,000 autos plying in the capital and new autorickshaws will play an important role to take load of increasing numbers of commuters. "In view of the odd-even scheme, government has expedited the process of issuing permits to 10,000 new autorickshaws and by the end of December, the transport department will issue the same," a top official said.

The department has set a range of permit conditions for the plying of autos which include electronic fare meter fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) among others.

"As part of government's plan to provide last-mile connectivity to commuters in Delhi, 10,000 new permits will give a boost to public transport, which is being augmented ahead of the odd-even formula," the official said.

Government will issue a notification by next week allowing autorickshaws to ply in double shifts — owners will be authorised to give their autos on rent on a shift basis to drivers who have valid licences, the official said.

The AAP government is taking several steps to make its ambitious odd-even plan a success. Chief Minister Kejriwal and his ministers will follow the odd-even scheme.

Yesterday, the government had announced that all autorickshaws and taxis will be brought under one app facilitating commuters to book them through smartphones during the trial of odd-even scheme.

PTI