Government divides week between odd, even numbered cars

From January 1, odd numbered private vehicles will ply on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Delhi and even numbered cars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, it was announced on Sunday.

Public Works Department Minister Satyendra Jain said: "We need public participation for this initiative to succeed.

"The Delhi government will strengthen public transport from January 1," Jain told the media here on the sidelines of a programme organised to pay tributes to Bhimrao Ambedkar on his 60th death anniversary.

The Aam Aadmi Party leader made no mention about Sundays.

A decision to ration road space was announced on Friday by the Arvind Kejriwal-led government to check rising pollution in the city.

Delhi has some 90 lakh registered vehicles, and about 1,500 are added on the roads every day.

Minister Jain said the restrictions would also apply to all ministers and bureaucrats, and that he would use his car on alternate days and go for car-pool the rest of the week.

Jain, who also holds health portfolio, said the current pollution levels in the city were an "emergency" situation, leading to various health issues.