Leave, working from home: Delhites go the extra mile to avoid odd-even restrictions

New Delhi, Dec 31 As Delhites gear-up to face the even-odd restrictions for cars, that comes into effect for 15 days from Friday, there are some who have gone to extreme lengths to avoid the inconvenience that is likely to be caused, by taking leave from work.

Fearing that the trial period will lead to overcrowded public transport and fewer auto- rickshaws and cabs, some are taking long breaks, while other are contemplating working half day or working from home.

An official with the urban development ministry said he might take leave.

"I am trying to prepare myself to use public transport when the even-odd scheme is put in place. However, the public transport is going to be equally crowded and if it gets too inconvenient, I may rather take leave," the official told IANS on condition of anonymity.

A defence ministry official said he was thinking of taking partial leave during the period.

"Although I use car only 10 days a month to reach office, I don't think travelling in public transport during the odd-even scheme days will be a good idea since there will be excess of rush in metros and buses. My vehicle is registered with even number, so during odd days maybe I will take an off or half day," the official, who did not want to be named, told IANS.

Augustine Antony, a market research analyst, plans to work from home.

"I have to travel from Dwarka to Nehru Place and I travel in the peak hour... So I would work from home on days when I cannot use my car," Antony told IANS.

Sanchari Sinha, an IT professional, has similar plans.

"I have to travel to Gurgaon every day, so there is no sense in using public transport. We have been given the option to work from home and I am availing that," she said.

The odd-even system will be implemented in Delhi from January 1, 2016. The decision was taken by the Delhi government to curb the rising pollution levels in the city.

In a bid to free-up enough buses to add 6,000 more to the Delhi roads, the government has said that schools will remain closed for the period and their buses will be used to ferry the extra passengers around the city.