How the odd-even formula fared on day one

Kejriwal said the scheme may be enforced only periodically when pollution level spikes. “We ha ve taken steps to do so”, he said, adding that 800km of roads in the city had been upgraded for the odd-even campaign. The Delhi Government is trying to ensure that the odd-even vehicle driving scheme does not remain a mere slogan. The real test of the scheme will be seen on Monday.

The plan is undergoing an initial two-week trial, with private cars now only allowed to run on alternate days depending on their number plates.

Setting a personal example, Kejriwal, who has been chief minister since February 2015, said he shared his vehicle to go to office with two ministers, his personal secretary and a joint secretary.

For the residents and visitors of Delhi, the New Year has started with the implementation of the odd-even scheme that restricts the use of odd number cars to odd number dates and even cars on even dates. “Delhiites! You give me hope that you are capable of achieving big challenges”, Kejriwal said in a tweet. The first offender, who was slapped with the stipulated Rs 2,000 fine, told police that he was heading towards his office and there was no convenient transportation facility from his residence near Pari Chowk, the intersection between NOIDA and Greater NOIDA, said a senior traffic official. “But considering the congestion and increasing pollution, I believe this is a futuristic approach which was urgently needed at the moment”, said Gyanatosh Jha, a marketing professional.

The Chief Minister made the remarks after the commencement of the radical scheme, which is aimed at mitigating spiralling air pollution levels with the stipulation today that private cars bearing odd-registration plates can ply on city roads. “The police will do that”, he said, adding that the police were cooperating with them.

People of Delhi have welcomed the unique initiative, which has already been a success in many European cities, including Paris. According to a government officials, nine complaints were received against bus services.

The pilot plan will stay in force till January 15. With Jan. 1 being an odd number date, only odd-numbered vehicles were allowed on the roads. “That time people of Delhi wanted a corruption-free city”.

Mr Kejriwal said the measures could be continued on a more permanent basis if successful, although critics said the scheme was poised to fail.

Pollution live metres have been installed at various places in Delhi by the state government for monitoring real-time air quality.