Delhi odd-even scheme not to be extended, says Rai

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai said on Saturday that the odd-even car restriction scheme would not be extended beyond 15 days and termed as "false" reports saying it could go on.

"News reports that Delhi government may extend odd-even formula trial beyond January 15 ar false," Rai said.

"We will be examining trends and data collected during trial period after January 15 and the trial period won't be extended," he added.

On Friday, senior counsel Harish Salve, who appeared for the Delhi government in the high court to defend the scheme, said the curbs had "a definite positive effect" and "may be continued after this two weeks (planned 15 days) period."

After the Delhi High Court termed the national capital akin to a gas chamber, the Delhi government had announced this scheme, beginning on January 1, for even numbered four wheeled vehicles to ply on even numbered dates and vice-versa.