Sushil Khatri, a software professional, travels from Rohini to ITO every day for work. “Today there was little traffic. It usually takes me 75 minutes, but today I reached within 40 minutes.”
The Capital saw fewer cars on roads on a scorching Friday, the first day of the second phase of odd-even rule, which also happened to be a holiday on account of Ram Navami.
“Odd-even starts today. Let’s all join hands and resolve to make it a success,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted. Under the scheme, odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates and even-numbered ones on even dates.
Traffic was smooth and reaching the destination took less time, commuters said. However, the real test of the scheme, which will run for 15 days till April 30, will be on Monday when schools and offices reopen after the weekend.
As many as 2,000 traffic personnel, 580 enforcement officials and over 5,000 civil defence volunteers have been deployed for the smooth implementation of the scheme.
There was some rash driving as people seemed to take advantage of the empty roads,
Sushma, a working mother, said: “I reached my office in Central Delhi from Noida in 35 minutes.”
However, certain pockets did witness heavy traffic. “I was travelling to Gurugram in the morning and there was little traffic. But, while returning in the afternoon, instead of the India Gate route, I took the Ring Road thinking there will be less traffic. I got stuck in a jam near Moti Bagh. I had to re-route towards India Gate,” said Chahna, a resident of Mayur Vihar.
Binayak Chaturvedi, 29, said: “Public transport is certainly easier during the winter compared to now when you have to brave the blast of hot winds in an auto.”
So, should odd-even be restricted to winter months only? “No,” Binayak says. “Pollution lasts all year round. Everybody needs to let go off personal luxuries now and then for the greater good. Besides, I get to take my car out tomorrow.”