3,000 more buses to ply on Delhi roads: Minister

The Delhi government on Monday announced it would run 3,000 additional buses on the capital's roads starting January 1 in a bid to help commuters, considering the implementation of the odd-even-numbered vehicle restriction formula.

"A total of 3,000 buses will be added on Delhi roads from January 1," Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai told media persons. The odd-even scheme, mooted by the city government, will be implemented on a trial basis between January 1 and 15.

Rai said the registration of 2,700 buses has been completed and the remaining 300 buses would be registered by Monday or Tuesday. "It will benefit 15-16 lakh people."

The Delhi government earlier vowed to add 6,000 buses on Delhi roads but it was changed after two-wheelers were exempted from the odd-even scheme.

Private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers will ply on odd and even dates, respectively, from January 1 here. According to the city government, the restrictions will apply between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. There would be no restrictions on Sunday.

The odd-even plan for four-wheeled vehicles, unveiled by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is aimed at reducing pollution in Delhi.