The Delhi government on Monday announced the return of the Odd-Even vehicle rationing scheme from November 13 to 20, 2023, in an effort to combat the national capital’s worst air pollution levels in recent years.
The decision was made after a high-level meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, where cabinet members and officials discussed ways to mitigate the pollution levels.
Under the Odd-Even Scheme, private vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits will be allowed on roads on odd dates, and those with even digits on even dates. The scheme will be in effect from 8am to 8pm daily, and will apply to all private vehicles except for electric vehicles, two-wheelers, and vehicles belonging to certain exempted categories.
The Delhi government has also suspended in-person classes in all schools, barring classes 10 and 12, and is considering implementing a 50% work from home policy for government and private offices.
The Odd-Even Scheme is a traffic rationing measure that has been implemented in Delhi several times in the past in an effort to reduce air pollution. The scheme has been met with mixed reactions, but it is generally believed to have a positive impact on air quality.
