Delhi's odd-even policy has passed 'litmus test', says Transport Minister

New Delhi: Over 1,200 motorists were fined for flouting odd-even norms on Monday – the first full-fledged working day after roll out of the scheme – leaving public transport packed to the capacity even as Delhi government claimed the vehicular restrictions passed the “litmus test”. Hundreds of personnel from traffic police and enforcement wing of Delhi government’s transport department, assisted by civil defence volunteers were deployed across major traffic junctions to ensure enforcement of scheme on the third day of its implementation. Though even-numbered cars dominated the roads in sync with the today’s date, odd-numbered cars seen plying in various areas were promptly challaned Rs 2,000. While police fined 1,040 motorists, the transport department penalised 191 violators. [caption id=“attachment_2570342” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. PTI[/caption] A total of around Rs 24 lakh were collected from violators. 68 autorickshaw drivers were also challaned following complaints of them refusing to ply or over-charging. “Monday was the day being deemed as the litmus test for odd-even scheme. But I had faith in the people of Delhi and also we had put in adequate arrangements so that citizens do not face any inconvenience. “It was a major challenge, but the scheme has passed the test because of the will of Delhiites. They have given us their whole-hearted support to make this a success,” Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai told reporters after he took a round of various areas including Patel Chowk Metro station. Meanwhile, pollutants remained on the higher side, plunging the air quality to ‘severe’ category at times, which saw a spike from around 8 AM, when the ‘odd-even’ restrictions began, amid the presence of smog. Weather experts said the gains of lesser cars on the city’s roads seemed to have no immediate impact on pollution levels due to variations of weather conditions, calm wind movement and a fall in day time temperature. PTI