Odd-Even scheme: Gopal Rai silences critics, thanks Delhiites

New Delhi: Attempting to silence the critics of the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday said the Odd-Even scheme has been a success so far, adding it is the most effective way to curb pollution in the national capital. "This Monday was more challenging in comparison to the Monday during phase-1 of the Odd-Even scheme. The schools were closed last time but they were open this time. Those who wanted this scheme to fail have failed miserably in their efforts. The general public of Delhi has supported this scheme," Rai said. Responding to a poser about complaints of traffic jams, he said the Odd-Even rule is in force after 8 a.m., adding there are traffic jams in certain areas because of the cars on roads before this time. "I am going to the places from where I have received the complaints of traffic jams. The people are following the Odd-Even scheme.If there are some problems at few places then these are local problems," Rai said. "Odd-Even is one of the most effective steps to cut down the pollution level of Delhi and the people of Delhi have accepted this challenge," he added. The Transport Minister also issued a warning for the taxi drivers in the national capital. "We will not tolerate if the taxi drivers charge extra money from the passengers taking advantage of this scheme. 18 cabs from Ola and Uber were seized yesterday, "he further said. As many as 18 cabs from Ola and Uber were impounded on Tuesday by the Delhi Transport Department for charging more than the prescribed limit during the odd-even scheme which is underway in the national capital. The move follows a warning by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who yesterday assured strict action, including impounding of cabs, if the app-based taxis were found charging more than the prescribed rates. Ola and Uber had announced that they were suspending the surge pricing after the Delhi Government's call of strict action. However, Uber did not specify if the surge pricing would resume after the second phase of the odd-even traffic scheme ends on April 30. It pledged to work with the Delhi Government to provide reliable mobility solutions to people in the city. Ola cab services also announced rollback of peak pricing in Delhi- NCR. The Delhi Government yesterday directed the impounding of taxis charging exorbitant fare from the public. The demand for taxis has shot up on account of the odd-even traffic scheme that started on April 15 and will run till April 30. Under the scheme, aimed at battling pollution, diesel and petrol driven private vehicles with odd registration numbers can ply only on odd dates and those with even registration numbers on even dates