New Delhi:
Those in Delhi wondering how the odd-even rule for cars will work can experience the system real-time on Wednesday, when the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is planning a "full rehearsal". Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi, however, says he is not aware of any such plan.
The dry run will take place from 8 am to 8 pm, say Delhi government officials, and every arrangement will be the same as when the new rule is enforced between January 1 and 15. Only, there will be no prosecution.
Officials have said that 10,000 civil defence volunteers will be present at traffic lights and they will "educate and request car owners to follow the odd-even rule".
For the first 15 days of the New Year, odd-numbered cars will run on odd dates and even-numbered cars will run on even dates, barring exemptions granted to categories like VIPs, women, CNG vehicles, emergency vehicles and two wheelers.
The planned use of volunteers has become controversial with Delhi Police Chief BS Bassi warning against vigilantism.
"No matter how good the cause is, we can't let volunteers stop vehicles in running traffic. The law does not permit this and neither will we," Mr Bassi said today, adding that "no vigilantism will be tolerated."
AAP's Ashutosh assured, however, that the volunteers would "cooperate with the police."
Some 3,000 extra buses commissioned for the 15-day road rationing will also be on the roads on Wednesday for the dry run. All buses will be forced to follow bus lane on 30 December.
Officials say 30 interceptor teams of the transport department will be present at different locations in Delhi to rehearse how to take action against violations.
The Metro has been asked to run whole day on peak time frequency. Google will share real time bus locations with passengers and Twitter will respond to the queries of users with bus route numbers and times.
The "rehearsal" comes as doubts have been expressed on the workability of the plan.
Among those who have expressed doubts is former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who said: "The plan is not feasible. They don't seem to have worked it out, they don't seemed to have thought it through."