Odd-Even scheme passed litmus test due to will of Delhiites: Gopal Rai

New Delhi: The Odd-Even scheme has passed the "litmus test" because of the "will of Delhiites", Transport Minister Gopal Rai claimed on Monday as odd numbered cars largely stayed off roads on a full-fledged working day, in accordance with the ambitious vehicle rationing scheme.

"Monday was the day being deemed as the litmus test for Odd-Even scheme. But I had faith in the people of Delhi and also we had put in adequate arrangements so that citizens do not face any inconvenience.

"It was a major challenge, but the scheme has passed the test because of the will of Delhiites. They have given us their whole-hearted support to make this a success," Rai said.

Most of the violators were from outside Delhi, he said, noting that around 400 violators were challaned by traffic police and 109 violators by Enforcement Wing of the Transport Department and 68 autorickshaw drivers were challaned following complaints.

He further said that 800 complaints were received by the helpline number launched by government and that around 2,500 people have downloaded the Poochho app till Monday.

Rai stated that some elements were trying to "misguide people" and sabotage the scheme by circulating old and false pictures of an overcrowded Rajiv Chowk Metro station in social media and creating panic.

"There were attempts to spread misinformation and misguide people by circulating old and false pictures of overcrowded Rajiv Chowk Metro station in social media. I spoke to Metro officials and took a feedback of 50 stations, and we were informed that the crowd today was less than the peak crowd recorded in December in the past and the picture which was posted was of October 22," he said.

Rai, who took a bus ride today to take stock of roads, credited five people - people of Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi police and Civil Defence volunteers, Metro, DTC and cluster buses and the media for making the drive "a grand success".

Rai said the Delhi Metro had made all requisite arrangements and capacity was increased to carry 32 lakh commuters. Also, 25 Metro Monitoring Teams have been working since morning.