Sikkim state transport department issued a notification on Thursday, announcing the “odd-even” concept for private vehicles in the municipal area of capital Gangtok to reduce traffic congestion during rush hours.
The rule will come into effect from June 6.
According to the notification, all private vehicles registered in Sikkim will come under the ambit of the odd-even rule in Gangtok civic area from 9.30am to 5pm every day, barring Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays.
“Private four-wheelers with odd numbers in the last digit of their registration plate will be allowed to move in the designated area of the state capital on odd dates (1,3,7,9..) of the month. The same stands for private cars which have even numbers in the last digit of their number plates. These vehicles can run only on even dates of the month. The initiative can largely help reduce traffic congestion in busy thoroughfares of Gangtok,” said a source.
The civic area of Gangtok is spread over 19.2sqkm. During rush hours and especially during tourist seasons, traffic congestion is one of the problems that beleaguer the hill town, much like in Darjeeling.
In 2019, 50,000 vehicles were estimated to be registered in the state, where the population is around 6.6 lakh.
“The number has increased. Also, hundreds of vehicles enter Sikkim from Bengal every day,” said an official of the Sikkim transport department.
The notification also says vehicles bearing private numbers engaged in essential services and two-wheelers are exempt from the rule.
“In case of emergency, the vehicle should use the route to hospitals or head for Siliguri. For essential services, those using the vehicles should carry proper identity cards and other documents to validate their travel,” the source added.
The department has also made it clear through the notification that the odd-even rule does not apply to private vehicles registered in other states.
“However, vehicles registered in other states but stationed at a stretch in Gangtok, will come under it,” the official pointed out.
