Gurgaon not ready for the odd-even scheme, as proposed in neighbouring Delhi, as last mile connectivity is still an issue. It’s pathetic public transport system forces residents to use personal transport.
Even metro has not been able to ease traffic congestion in Gurgaon
Even as the Delhi government tries to come to an agreement with the NGT for the third odd-even scheme in the capital, neighbouring Gurgaon is not even contemplating it. Even Gurgaon residents feel the city’s infrastructure is not ready to support such a traffic regulatory rule.
"Even though we are trying our best to control air pollution, we are not looking at the odd-even traffic scheme for Gurgaon,” said Vinay Pratap Singh, deputy commissioner, Gurgaon.
Despite being known as one of the most cosmopolitan cities in India, Gurgaon is yet to be able to implement the odd-even rule successfully. For sure, Gurgaon has developed into a corporate hub, hosting many Fortune 500 companies, but it’s public transport system is highly unreliable.
"I work in Manesar and reside in South City 1. There are no means of public transport I can depend on. I have to travel by my car,” said Tarun Yadav, employed with an ink manufacturing factory at Manesar.
In the past decade while Delhi Metro and the Rapid Metro may have reduced the number of cars on the roads of Delhi, last-mile connectivity still presents untold problems to residents. Even with 20,000 autos providing feeder services, they are clearly not enough - and then there is the problem of fleecing. The e-rickshaws that have recently been added have helped but they are not a full-proof solution.
“The Metro connectivity is very limited and it will take years for Gurgaon to be self-sufficient in trains,” said Pragyan Jain, who stays in Sector 5. Even though her office is near a Metro station, she travels by auto.
"Looking at the Haryana Roadways too. Only six buses have been added to the fleet, which has not helped public transport at all," Jain said.
