Public transport seating capacity raised to 100% in Delhi to curb air pollution
Move aimed at curbing number of vehicles on road
Public transport seating capacity raised to 100% in Delhi to curb air pollution
Move aimed at curbing number of vehicles on road
New Delhi, Nov. 20 (Delhi Crown): In view of the air quality over Delhi-NCR showing no signs of improving from its present “very severe” category, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Saturday increased seating and standing capacity in public transport like Delhi Metro and DTC.
The move is aimed at reducing vehicular traffic on roads, thus reducing air pollution levels.
As per the amended order, 100 percent seating and standing for 30 travellers on each coach of the Delhi Metro will be allowed.
In DTC buses 100 percent seating capacity and standing of 50 percent of sitting travellers will be permitted. Passengers will board buses from the rear and exit from the front.
The DTC and the Delhi Metro have been clearly instructed to ensure that all passengers comply with Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.
The guidelines will be in effect till the intervening night of November 30 and December 1 or till further directions, while all previous directions remain unchanged.
On Saturday, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) was pegged at 374, while the concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 in the air, at 352 and 218 respectively, was ‘very poor’.
The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP government is also seriously considering the introduction of odd-even vehicle movement from next week and for cars to have appropriate colour stickers when travelling into the capital.
The display of chromium-based hologram stickers on all vehicles registered in NCT of Delhi are mandatory as per a Supreme Court order and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
According to the rules, owners of vehicles without sticker are liable to be slapped with a fine of Rs. 10,000 compoundable to Rs. 5,500 for the offence. As of now, enforcement of the rule is being kept on hold.
The hologram stickers also contain details like the vehicle’s registration number, the registering authority, a laser-branded PIN, and the engine and chassis numbers.
