After Delhi, Another State to Implement Odd-Even Rule Amid Winter Rush

As soon as the mild winter starts in the national capital Delhi, the level of air pollution also increases. Smog of pollution goes over Delhi. People face irritation in their eyes and difficulty breathing while going out. To reduce the level of air pollution i.e. AQI level in the capital, the Delhi government brings the Odd-Even rule. This rule is applied to cars or vehicles running in Delhi. Such a rule has yet to be implemented in Delhi, but another state has announced that it will implement the odd-even rule. This state is Sikkim in eastern India.

Many people must have been shocked upon hearing the name of Sikkim when did air pollution start in the hilly state? Due to this, the odd-even rule should be implemented in the cars and vehicles running here. The air of Sikkim is immaculate. There is no tension of air pollution here. People here are getting troubled by the crowd of tourists as soon as the winter season begins. Many people are heading to Sikkim to see the first snowfall of the season. Due to this, the odd-even rule will be implemented in vehicles here.

With the beginning of the first snowfall of the season, an increase in the number of tourists has been seen in Gangtok, Sikkim. Keeping in mind the future arrival of tourists, the Sikkim government will introduce the 'odd-even' rule to manage vehicular traffic in the city.

The odd-even rule in vehicles will come into effect from November 5, 2024. The rule aims to reduce congestion on the busy roads of Gangtok. Implemented under Section 115 of the Motor Vehicles Act, of 1988, this rule will remain in force for an indefinite period.

The odd-even rule will apply to both private and government vehicles, based on their registration number i.e. the last digit of the vehicle's number plate. Vehicles with registration numbers ending in odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) can run on odd number dates, while vehicles ending in even digits (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) can run on even number dates.

This rule covers the areas within the municipal limits of Gangtok. It will be applicable, especially on the National Highway from Mayfair Gate to GICI, Zero Point. It aims to ease movement for both the people of Gangtok and tourists.

The odd-even rule will be implemented during peak traffic hours, from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon and then from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm daily. The odd-even rule will be relaxed between 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm. Apart from this, this rule will not be applicable on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, Sundays. Also, it will not be applicable on government-approved holidays.