“I have reports from all over Delhi that people are following the scheme. The final picture will emerge after we receive reports from different departments,” Rai, who took a bus ride to assess implementation of the scheme, told mediapersons.
Owing to Ram Navmi holiday, light traffic was witnessed during the course of the full circle bus ride from Delhi secretariat, via Pragati Maidan, India Gate, Delhi Gate, Red Fort and Rajghat.
He said the response of the people was “positive” although some complaints were received from border areas where drivers from other states were caught for violation.
Comparing the second phase of odd-even scheme with trial run in first half of January this year, the minister said problems could be faced due to summer and schools being opened but solutions could be found.
Following the extended weekend, traffic will increase on Monday when offices and schools will open but the government is prepared to tackle the situation, he said.
Rai appealed to Delhiites to leave “early” to drop their children to school so that they are not caught on the wrong side.
He also urged women drivers to help and drop back other children in their neighbourhood from school while picking their own children.
“Eighty five percent women drop children to schools and pick them back in the city. People of Delhi have given them exemption from the scheme and they should enquire about other children in their vicinity and arrange dropping them also at their homes.”
Regarding complaints of over charging by app-based cab aggregators providing carpooling options, Rai said that they were not registered in Delhi so government had limited role in restraining them but warned that “strict action” will be taken if any complaints are found.
Rai added that reduction in pollution and traffic congestion were “inter-linked” and both will be reduced during operation of odd-even scheme.