In order to push the state government to introduce odd-even vehicle formula on city roads, a petition was filed in the Bombay High Court on Tuesday. However, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at a function said the idea will not be implemented.

The petitioner, Shadaab Patel — a Bandra resident, who is a social worker and businessman — said: "Delhi despite having wide roads is facing congestion and air pollution problem. Mumbai roads are already congested." The petition has been filed through advocate Jayant Bardeskar against the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board and other authorities, including public health and transport departments.

According to him, Mumbai being the financial capital of India, it is important that health of the population of this capital remains stable and does not suffer from excessive air pollution.

As per the media reports referred in the petition, Mumbai's pollution has caused approximately 2,800 cases of premature deaths while the health damage costs in the region are Rs18 billion.

The petition copy reads: "The total number of vehicles in the city are above 24,00,000. The data also reveals that 26,51,778 vehicles run on the road in the month of September, 2015. Out of the mentioned total 57% approximately of the vehicles are two wheelers and 30.66% are cars, so evidently out of the total number of vehicles on the road around 87.66% are used for private purpose. Adopting Delhi's odd-even rule to bring down the number of vehicles used on the roads and thereby bringing down air pollution level and will increase air quality."

Meanwhile, Fadnavis at a Road Safety Week 2016 event declared: "There is no need for odd-even formula in Mumbai. In Mumbai, people are used to public transport and cars are not considered as a status symbol. The need is to better our public transport."