‘Blueprint for odd-even scheme will be ready much before January 1’

Delhi’s Health Minister and nodal officer for odd-even number car days formula, Satyendar Jain, has claimed that the government will take all measures to curb pollution in the national Capital.

Under fire for announcing a major decision without a blueprint, the Jain said that they will be ready much before January 1, 2016, to implement the move as the government is chalking out a proper plan under which entire system of traffic management will be modified. “I am in talks with DTC, cluster buses, DMRC, no one has said they will not be able to do more. They are happy that the government is taking these steps, and we will give citizens a better-than-before public transport system. We are committed to that,” said Jain. As per the plan, the government may restrict entry of heavy commercial vehicles for two more hours during night. Presently, vehicles enter the city after 9 pm but they might be allowed to enter only after 11pm. 

To stop entry of vehicles of other states, works on Eastern and Western Peripheral Expreways will be sped-up. T

The government, in consultation with the Road and Transport Ministry, has decided to operate these two corridors within 400 days. As many as 4,000 contract buses will be ferried and 2,000 CNG school buses will run as public transport and these extra buses will be paid in the cluster bus model.

Auto rickshaws will be doubled. One auto can be run by two drivers in two shifts, said Transport minister Gopal Rai. People can book an auto with this eralier launched PoochO app as it will be available for downloading from December 25. 

The government is also in talks with the Railway authority to increase frequency of the Circular Suburban Rail or the Ring Railway. All bus lanes will be marked and potholes and other repairs will be done on urgent basis. 

Meanwhile, Jain also said that Delhi Metro will run at the highest possible frequency during the odd-even vehicle restriction period from January 1 to 15. ”We have spoken to DMRC. For 15 days, the metro would run on peak frequency or maximum possible frequency and run till late. Irrespective of whether there is rush or not. So that people have an alternative and autos don’t overcharge,” Jain said.