The AAP cabinet announced private vehicles will be allowed to run across the city based on their registration numbers from January 1. Photo: PTI

Ahead of the implementation of the odd-even vehicle scheme in the National Capital from January 1, the Delhi government has decided to issue permits to 10,000 new autorickshaws by the end of December. At present, there are nearly 80,000 autos plying in the Capital and the new addition will help in the facilitation of commuters during the 15-day trial period.

The Arvind Kejriwal government has also announced the deployment of 6,000 buses in addition to the existing one to the city's roads to ensure hassle-free travelling for commuters.



"In view of the odd-even scheme, the government has expedited the process of issuing permits to 10,000 new autorickshaws and by the end of December, the transport department will issue the same," a top official said.

The Transport Department has set a range of permit conditions for the plying of autos which include fare meter fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) among others.

"As part of government's plan to provide last-mile connectivity to commuters in Delhi, 10,000 new permits will give a boost to public transport, which is being augmented ahead of the odd-even formula," the official said.

Also, the goverment will issue a notification by next week, allowing autorickshaws to ply in double shifts. Owners will be authorised to give their autos on rent on a shift basis to drivers who have valid licences, the official said.



The AAP government is adopting several measures to ensure the success of the odd-even plan scheme. The AAP cabinet announced private vehicles will be allowed to run across the city based on their registration numbers. For example, if a vehicle's registration number ends with an odd digit, it will be allowed on the road on January 1, while that ending with an even number can be driven on the second, and so on.

This step has been taken as a measure to bring down and control pollution in Delhi.

Watch: Capital smothers under smog



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- What is Delhi's new odd-even vehicle rule all about? Where did it come from?