Helena Joyce
The odd-even scheme is a traffic rationing measure that was first introduced in Delhi, India, in 2016 to combat severe air pollution and bring down increasing particulate matter levels. Under this scheme, private vehicles with registration plates ending in odd numbers can be driven on odd dates, while those with even numbers can be driven on even dates. The scheme has been enforced multiple times since its implementation, with mixed results regarding its efficacy in reducing pollution levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goal | To reduce air pollution and bring down increasing particulate matter levels |
| Implementation | Private vehicles with odd number plates can be driven on odd dates, and those with even number plates on even dates |
| Exemptions | Two-wheelers, women-only vehicles, CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles, emergency vehicles, VIPs, politicians, Supreme Court judges, defence vehicles, and single women drivers with children under 12 |
| Impact | Studies have found a reduction in PM2.5 levels of 5.73% and 14-16% during the scheme's implementation |
| Location | Delhi, India |
| First Implemented | 2016 |
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What You'll Learn
Effect on PM2.5 and PM1.0 emissions
The odd-even scheme is a traffic rationing measure implemented in Delhi, India, to combat the city's poor air quality. The scheme allows private vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit to operate on roads on odd dates and those with an even digit on even dates.
Delhi has been found to be the most polluted city in the world, according to a global survey of 1600 cities by the WHO in 2015. This has led to the Indian government backing stringent vehicular emission norms.
The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago and Evidence for Policy Design analysed the impact of the odd-even scheme implemented in 2016. It was found that Delhi witnessed a 14-16% reduction in PM2.5 levels during the hours the scheme was in force in January 2016. However, there was no reduction in pollution when the scheme was brought back in April of the same year.
A study conducted during the first phase of the scheme's implementation reported an average reduction of PM2.5 of 5.73% and PM1.0 of 4.70% in the ambient air across all the corridors during the days of the scheme's implementation. This represents a small but positive impact on reducing particulate matter levels and urban air pollution in Delhi. The reduction of PM1 was found to be higher than that of PM2.5 during the days of the scheme.
The odd-even driving scheme has been implemented in several cities and metropolitan areas worldwide to curb high levels of air pollution or to decongest urban traffic. The scheme can help reduce particulate matter levels compared to non-scheme days at traffic corridors.
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History of the scheme
The history of odd-even driving restrictions dates back to 1979, when it was first instituted in the United States in response to the second gasoline crisis. Turbulent conditions in Iran and Iraq led to a global increase in crude oil prices, and gasoline was made available on alternate days. Since then, various capitals and major cities worldwide have adopted the odd-even scheme to curb vehicular pollution.
In 2012, New Jersey and New York City instituted an odd-even rationing system due to gasoline shortages from Hurricane Sandy. In New York City, such rationing lasted through November 23 due to increased travel and gasoline demand during Thanksgiving week.
The odd-even scheme was introduced in Delhi, India, in 2016 by the Kejriwal-led AAP government. It was implemented on a trial basis, requiring vehicles with odd-numbered license plates to drive on odd dates and those with even-numbered plates to drive on even dates. The scheme aimed to reduce pollution and smog in Delhi, which, according to a 2015 global survey by the WHO, was the most polluted city in the world.
The scheme has been implemented three times since its launch—in 2016, 2017, and 2019. It remains a part of Delhi's pollution control strategy, implemented selectively during severe pollution episodes. The scheme has faced backlash and criticism from some citizens, who have experienced challenges with crowded public transportation when the rule is in effect.
The odd-even rule has been implemented in several other countries, including China, France (Paris), Colombia (Bogotá), Mexico, and Italy. In China, the rule was implemented before the 2008 Olympics, resulting in a nearly 20% decrease in pollution levels.
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Exemption criteria
The odd-even scheme is a traffic rationing measure that was first introduced in Delhi, India, in 2016. It aims to curb air pollution by allowing private vehicles with odd-numbered registration plates to drive on odd dates and those with even-numbered plates on even dates. While the scheme generally applies to all privately-owned four-wheelers, there are several exemptions.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has stated that there should be no exemptions for two-wheelers and women. However, in previous implementations of the scheme, two-wheelers, women-only vehicles, and single women drivers were exempted. Additionally, CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles, and emergency vehicles were also exempted.
Other exemptions include VIPs, politicians, Supreme Court judges, defence vehicles, and vehicles carrying children in school uniforms. The President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Delhi's Chief Minister, Lieutenant Governor, Chief Justice of India, and heads of key commissions are also exempt from the mandate.
In 2019, when the scheme was implemented in November, two-wheelers, electric vehicles, medical emergency vehicles, and vehicles carrying VIPs, women, and differently-abled persons were exempted.
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Effect on road congestion
The odd-even scheme, also known as odd-even rationing, is a method of traffic management that aims to reduce congestion and pollution by restricting vehicle usage based on their license plate numbers. This scheme was first introduced in Delhi, India, in 2016, where vehicles with odd-numbered plates were allowed to drive on odd dates, while those with even-numbered plates were permitted on even dates. The goal was to decrease the number of vehicles on the road, thereby reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
The effects of the odd-even scheme on road congestion have been mixed. On the one hand, the scheme has been shown to effectively reduce traffic volume, as was observed in Beijing during the 2016 Olympic Games. Data analysis from 529 traffic detectors revealed that enforcing the odd-even rule reduced total traffic volume by 20% to 40% despite only restricting over 50% of vehicles. Additionally, travel speeds increased by 10% to 20%, indicating that the odd-even scheme can help ease congestion and improve traffic flow, especially during periods of high transportation demand.
However, the impact of the odd-even scheme on road congestion in Delhi has been less significant. Despite the scheme's implementation, pollution levels in the city continued to rise, prompting criticism from environmentalists and questions about its effectiveness. The scheme's impact on reducing pollution was also inconsistent, with positive results observed during its initial implementation in January 2016 but no reduction in pollution when it was reintroduced in April of the same year.
The mixed results of the odd-even scheme in Delhi may be attributed to various factors, including exemptions for certain types of vehicles, such as two-wheelers, electric cars, and vehicles carrying VIPs or medical emergencies. Additionally, the scheme's impact on congestion may be influenced by the availability and utilization of public transportation and carpooling options, which can vary across different cities and cultures.
While the odd-even scheme has had varying effects on road congestion in different cities, it is important to recognize that its primary goal is to reduce pollution levels. The reduction in the number of vehicles on the road during the scheme's implementation can have a positive impact on congestion, but the overall effectiveness depends on a range of factors, including the specific city's infrastructure, public transportation system, and cultural acceptance of alternative transportation methods.
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Comparison with other cities
The odd-even scheme, first implemented in Delhi, India, in 2016, is a traffic rationing measure that allows private vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit to drive on odd dates and those with an even digit on even dates. The scheme has been enforced multiple times in Delhi since 2016, with the aim of reducing the city's dangerously high levels of air pollution.
Delhi is not the only city to have implemented the odd-even scheme. Cities in China, Mexico, and France have also tried the scheme in some form, although its efficacy has been hotly debated almost everywhere.
The scheme's origin can be traced back to 1979 when it was first instituted in the United States as a response to the second gasoline crisis caused by the Iran-Iraq conflict. The supply of gasoline was restricted, and the odd-even scheme was used to determine who could purchase gasoline on alternate days.
In terms of reducing air pollution, a study on the Delhi scheme implemented in January 2016 indicated that it had "failed to mitigate air pollution." The study found that restricting traffic volume alone cannot control PM2.5 concentration in Delhi, as there are multiple other sources of pollution in the city.
Another analysis by researchers from the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago compared fine particle concentrations in Delhi's air during the January pilot of the odd-even scheme with surrounding satellite cities. They found that Delhi's air quality was lower by 13% during the pilot, but the program did not affect Delhi's air quality during the warmer month of April. This suggests that the odd-even scheme is more effective as an emergency measure during the winter months when car emissions play a more prominent role in affecting air quality.
Despite the mixed results and debates surrounding the efficacy of the odd-even scheme, it has been enforced multiple times in Delhi due to the urgent need to reduce the city's dangerously high pollution levels.
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Frequently asked questions
The odd-even scheme is a traffic rationing measure that allows private vehicles with registration numbers ending with an odd digit to be driven on roads on odd dates and those with an even digit on even dates.
The odd-even scheme was first introduced in Delhi, India, in 2016 by the AAP government to control vehicular pollution and bring down increasing particulate matter levels.
The efficacy of the odd-even scheme is questionable. While some studies have shown a reduction in PM2.5 and PM1.0 levels during the hours the scheme was in force, others have found no impact. The Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago estimated a significant decrease in air pollution through the odd-even scheme.
