Fewer cars on day 1 of odd-even phase II but real test on Monday: Highlights of the day

Odd-even not a success: Sheila Dikshit

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday said that the Delhi government’s odd-even scheme is an attempt to fool people into believing that it is working. Dikshit told ANI that the scheme will not benefit the people of Delhi as there is no adequate public transport.

Traffic near AIIMS flyover

While most of the roads was less congested on Friday, motorists near the AIIMS flyover witnessed heavy traffic.  

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

Smooth start

It was a smooth start to the odd-even phase 2. It got a good response on day one, with some people even saying that the scheme should be made permanent. 

Oh what a relief..odd-even is back!
Make the best o it DilliValloh!& fr this at least let's 'Thx' AK hugely!No harm n acknowledging w/grace!

— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) April 15, 2016

#OddEven is perhaps d most innovative idea which decongest roads & reduces pollution! #OddEvenBegins #OddEvenDobara pic.twitter.com/z5unskhXwp

— Ruchie (@livendletlive25) April 15, 2016

Traffic flow on d almost-empty Moti Bag Ring Road was smooth.Praval, who was travelling frm Akshardham 2 Gzb 2 Anand Niketan#OddEvenBegins

— Shailendra (@shalendra100) April 15, 2016

Traffic cop wants scheme to be permanent

An even number car was spotted and stopped by a traffic cop and challaned near Gate Number One Pragati Maidan. A traffic cop said, “We want the scheme to be made permanent. We only know what all we have to face while managing the traffic during office hours.” He has challaned four people since morning. 

Firstpost’s Shishir Tripathi

Traffic cop wants scheme to be permanent

An even number car was spotted and stopped by a traffic cop and challaned near Gate Number One Pragati Maidan. A traffic cop said, “We want the scheme to be made permanent. We only know what all we have to face while managing the traffic during office hours.” He has challaned four people since morning. 

Firstpost’s Shishir Tripathi

Less traffic on busy roads

Firstpost’s Shishir Tripathi takes a ride through Akshardham to Pragati Maidan and is greeted by congestion-free roads.

Volunteers urge motorists to follow rules

Devendra Kumar, a Civil Defence volunteer, has been standing near Pragati Maidan since 6 am. He has stopped two violators and gave them roses and pamphlets and urged them to follow the odd-even rule.

Firstpost’s Shishir Tripathi

Many NCR residents give odd-even a thumbs up

A lot of NCR commuters are in favour of the road space rationing and want the odd-even scheme to become permanent, i.e. 15 days a month. “I travel every day from Gurugram to Delhi, I am very much in favour of the odd-even scheme. I save one hour of my travel. I wish if it can be done on a permanent basis,” said Geeta Sharma, a resident of  Gurugram who travels to Hauz Khas for work.

Firstpost’s Nitish Rampal at Gurgaon Toll

‘It’s difficult to get autorickshaws today’

Firstpost’s Debobrat Ghose takes a Metro ride up to ITO – one of the busiest locations in Delhi. Despite a holiday, many families are either on an outing, visiting temples or their relatives. A member of the Joshi family told Firstpost: “We boarded the Metro from Kailash Colony as we are going to Dwarka to meet my parents and elder brother’s family. We had a very bad experience with autorickshaws today. Despite putting ‘On Duty’ board, 15 autorickshaw drivers refused to take us. It is so disturbing. Moreover, they are acting pricey. Everyday, I pay Rs 30 from my residence to the Metro station. But today, they asked for Rs 50 to 60. Odd-even drive is good, but the Delhi government must ensure proper functioning of autos. Refusal has increased and due to this common man is suffering. Public transportation has to improve.”

Smooth traffic flow

Traffic flow on the almost-empty Moti Bag Ring Road was smooth. Praval, who was travelling from Akshardham to Ghaziabad to Anand Niketan, said at most places traffic was really less.

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

‘Delhi feels so different’

“Delhi feels so different during these odd-even days. It’s almost like a different city. That is one good reason why they (the government) should continue with the experiment,” says an acquaintance who is on his way to the Preet Vihar Metro station. About 35 years of age, he says the younger generation is growing up accepting congested roads as a fact of life. “They are born into that. It’s unfortunate. A change like this would be a welcome experience for them.” 

Firstpost’s Akshaya Mishra

Odd-even scheme a gimmick: Prashant Bhushan 

Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan on Friday termed the Delhi government’s odd-even scheme a “gimmick”. Citizens could offer better solutions to pollution, suggested Bhushan, formerly a key member of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. “Citizens may offer better solutions for pollution, bike lanes, better public transport/BRT, than gimmicks like odd/even,” the lawyer said on Twitter. 

IANS

Violator of odd-even rule shares his story

Rajesh Kalra, a trader at Lajpat Nagar, was found arguing with traffic cops. Despite Delhi Civil Defence members trying make him understand his mistake, he said, “I was not going on the main road but just took a turn from the traffic signal to get inside Lajpat Nagar market from where I operate. I had been trying to convince police but they refused to listen to my plea. It’s very difficult to move in the local area without vehicle especially for traders like us.”

Firstpost’s Debobrat Ghose

Ram Navami not a good excuse to avoid paying fine

Sheila Khanuja, a homemaker at Kalkaji, was visibly perturbed and arguing with traffic cops when asked to pay the Rs 2,000 fine. Her justification for violating the rule, “I’m moving in the local vicinity. Today is Ram Navami festival and I wanted to buy puja items from the local market. I thought odd-even drive is applicable only on main roads and not within local areas.” Ultimately she had to pay the fine.

Firstpost’s Debobrat Ghose

What the violators have to say

Firstpost Chief Reporter Debobrat Ghose speaks with some of the violators of odd-even drive at different locations to find out why they violated the rule for which they had to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. Rohtah Kakkar, a businessman at Nehru Place, said: I completely forgot that the drive starts today. It slipped my mind and I started from GK II to reach Nehru Place Metro station to board Metro for ITO. Daily, I park my car at the Metro station and board the Metro. Had I been aware, I wouldn’t have taken out my even numbered car. I ended up paying Rs 2,000.

Selfie Time! 

It’s slow day for Civil Defense volunteers at Dabri Mod near Janak Puri with Delhiites complying with the odd-even rules. 

Firstpost’s Nitish Rampal

Scene near Janak Puri

Higher challans could mean higher compliance. Odd-even might be a success, but other traffic violations in Delhi are worth the risk.  

Firstpost’s Nitish Rampal at Dabri Mod near Janak Puri (one way road)

Odd day for odd-even

This has to be an odd day. There are just too many even-numbered vehicles out on the roads. I stay near a hospital. I would hope all these ’even’ vehicles are there because they had to bring patients. Otherwise, there’s no good reason why they should be around today. Unless of course, Delhiites have forgotten elementary lessons on numbers. The taxiwallah one spoke to was rather gruff: “I know numbers. I have read till college.

Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor

Excuses to get out of a ticket won’t work

Roshni Sethi, Delhi Civil Defence personnel at Nehru Place told Firstpost: The violators are giving flimsy excuses like they were unaware of the odd-even drive. Moreover, they are arguing to avoid paying fine. People are even saying that they took out their even numbered cars as they are moving in local vicinities. Our job is to create awareness among people on the road and assist traffic police in enforcing the law.

‘No violator will be let off’

SDM (Kalkaji) Shailendra Kumar Singh told Firstpost’s Debobrat Ghose: In two hours, we’ve issued 12 challans to violators. Despite the government’s campaign and awareness drive, there are several car owners who are violating the law. Moreover, this is the second phase of odd-even drive and not the first. By now citizens have become aware of this drive. Despite it, there are violations. No violator will be let off.

Cops pull up odd-even offenders

Violators try to offer explanations to avoid paying a fine of Rs 2,000 at Sector 1 intersection Dwarka

Firstpost’s Nitish Rampal

Kejriwal and the art of massaging egos

Arvind Kejriwal surely knows how to massage the egos of Delhiwallahs. The telephonic message from him says (it’s in Hindi originally): “The whole world is discussing the implementation of the odd-even formula in Delhi in January. They are praising Delhi citizens’ sense of discipline.” Delhi and discipline in the same breath may sound jarring to many, but not for nothing Kejriwal is known as the people’s leader. He understands how to coax and cajole people into action.

Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor

12 challans issued in South Delhi

Nehru Place in South Delhi is a location to watch out for. Between 8.30 and 10.30 am, the Delhi administration has issued 12 challans to violators, including women. The fine amount is Rs 2,000. At traffic points and islands, Delhi traffic police, Delhi administration and Delhi Civil Defence personnel are jointly handling the drive.

Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost

Higher compliance rate

“Compliance rate much higher than odd-even 1. Hardly anyone caught since morning without proof of exemption,” says Prince Sorabh, Civil Defense. 

Firstpost’s Nitish Rampal at Dwarka Sector 1 Intersection

Tempers rising? 

Violators of the odd-even rules get into an argument with Delhi cops.  

Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost

Challans for traffic violators

SDM Kalkaji in South Delhi Shailendra Kumar Singh issues challans to violators of odd-even near Nehru Place flyover.

Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost

No traffic at Gurugram intersection

Firstpost’s Nitish Rampal, reporting from Dwarka Sector 21-Gurugram underpass, writes the traffic at this usually busy intersection is congestion-free. Looks like the people of Delhi are complying with #oddevendobara. Checkpoints set up during the first odd-even stint are vacant. “Monday will be the real test. Today, is like a soft-opening on account of Ram Navami. Hopefully it’ll be like this only,” said Bhavdeep Singh, a resident of Dwarka, who works in Gurugram.

This Sardarji won’t stop being a rebel

After the AAP government announced the odd-even formula in January, the Sardarji next door had promised to never ever vote for Arvind Kejriwal “not in this life or the next”. “Phir se chalu ho gaya yaar. Chief Minister bana he logon ko paresan karne ko,” he said. “What’s your problem exactly, uncleji? Is he doing odd-even for his own good?” one asks. “You outsiders think you know everything about Delhi. Isn’t the Kejriwal fellow from Haryana?” “So?” One is curious. “Chhodo yaar tumse baat karna hi bekar hai. I am taking out my vehicle come what may,” he replied. Last time, he had issued a similar threat but had kept his car idle for the whole 15 days. 

Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor

Odd-even experience

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

Open roads greet morning commuters

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

‘Will not make much difference’

Gauri Das Chakrovarty, who works in Noida and has an even number car, feels that the scheme will not make a difference in the pollution levels as evident from the January experiment. “This is just harassment. I do not think much will change. My experience of last time tells me that it neither can improve traffic nor air quality,” Chakrovarty. 

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost reporter

No congestion on roads today

Auto driver Jai Narayan says that he has been out since morning and roads are relatively free. However, the real impact can be felt on Monday as most offices are closed on Friday 

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

Will Shah Rukh Khan fans make a difference? 

The movie reviewer in Arvind Kejriwal will be at odds with Kejriwal the Chief Minister on the odd-even day. Shah Rukh Khan-starrer ‘Fan’ releases in theatres and it might tempt many Delhiites to hit the roads in their cars. If the re-run gets a lukewarm response, Kejriwal, besides blaming Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can blame Shah Rukh also. Now, don’t ask why?

Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost Senior Editor

A different scene today

A stretch on the Mayur Vihar to Noida Mod, where the PWD is carrying out a construction, is usually congested. But today, it is not crowded at all

Shishir Tripathi, Firstpost Reporter

Uber driver Gaurav Bhardwaj shares his morning experience 

Shishir Tripathi, Reporter Firstpost

Real challenge on Monday

Irrespective of what the response is on the first day, the the real challenge and test will be on Monday, when schools and government offices’ will open after a long weekend

Debobrat Ghose, Firstpost Chief Reporter

No rush on Delhi roads yet
Firstpost Chief Reporter Debobrat Ghose from South Delhi reports that since it’s a holiday due to Ram Navami, roads are comparatively clear and less congested. There are few vehicles on the roads, with no rush among commuters to reach their destinations

Delhi Transport Minister optimistic, while denizens embrace phase 2 

I believe people in Delhi will follow odd-even today, all need to think positively: Transport Minister Gopal Rai pic.twitter.com/qZUutiN9Cl

— ANI (@ANI) April 15, 2016

5-minute drive from Patparganj to Noida gate. Noticed just two even cars on odd day. Holiday helps. #OddEven @ArvindKejriwal

— Nandagopal Rajan (@nandu79) April 15, 2016

A lazy morning so far

It’s 9 am. People are lounging on balconies sipping their morning tea and throwing a lazy look at the roads below. They may not use them today. The streets in Patparganj are not busy yet. It is too early in the day for people to move out. Moreover, it’s Ram Navami. Many offices are closed. So expect odd-even to be a roaring success on day one of the second phase. With two more lean traffic days because of the weekend, expect the AAP government to pat itself on the back for getting everything right. However, the real test is on Monday, when people will take out their vehicles to reach work. This was the case in January too, when the first round of odd-even was initiated.

Akshaya Mishra, Firstpost senior editor

Second phase to continue till 30 April 

The second phase will continue till 30 April, between 8 am and 8 pm. But not on Sunday. Vehicles running on CNG, two-wheelers, women motorists and several categories of VIPs are exempted. 

IANS

A mood of acceptance in Delhi

Akshaya Mishra from Firstpost reports that this time, there is not much resistance from the people of Delhi. While round one faced a lot of opposition, however, for the second phase, the protests are certainly less. Though there is no noticeable change in the air pollution levels, the Delhi residents somehow feel good.

Derek O’Brien wishes Arvind Kejriwal on Twitter 

Delhi Chief Minister tweeted this morning rolling out the second phase and urged everyone to work together to make the scheme a success.  

Rise & Shine #Delhi. Good luck @ArvindKejriwal & team for Chapter Two #oddeven Do what it takes

— Derek O'Brien | ডেরেক ও'ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) April 15, 2016

Here’s how some people reacted to the return of odd-even scheme: 

Thank You @ArvindKejriwal for Inconvenience Dobara?? #OddEven #Delhi pic.twitter.com/Y4sJXy4jD1

— Sharad Bharadva (@sharadbharadva) April 10, 2016

So the #OddEven days are back.. If only for a short while..the roads are quite pleasing :)

— Madhulika Singh (@madhulika_s) April 15, 2016

Happy roads today, smiling even as the date is odd. #OddEven

— Saumya Kulshreshtha (@Saumyakul) April 15, 2016

Delhi roads ready for odd-even phase two

The only exception to the second phase of the odd-even schemes is that vehicles carrying school children will be exempted from the  odd-even rule. However, nobody is sure what rule will apply after the vehicle drops off school children.