Delhi Government To Introduce Congestion Tax

In a bold move to combat Delhi’s growing traffic and pollution problems, the national capital's authorities plan to introduce a congestion tax. The initiative, spearheaded by the Delhi Transport Department, aims to charge vehicles entering high-traffic areas during peak hours.

Shahzad Alam, the Delhi government's Special Commissioner for Transport, revealed that the plan is in advanced stages. The pilot program will target 13 strategic points along Delhi's borders and implement a barrier-free charging system using FASTag technology and number plate recognition cameras.

"Our goal isn't primarily to generate revenue but to reduce pollution and ease traffic flow," Alam explained. The policy encourages commuters to use public transportation or adjust travel times to avoid congested periods.

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However, the implementation faces several challenges. Officials are currently working on establishing the necessary legal framework and examining potential modifications to Delhi and Central Motor Vehicle rules. The initiative draws inspiration from successful congestion pricing models in London, New York, and Singapore.

This congestion tax is part of a broader strategy to improve Delhi's transportation ecosystem. It will also include measures like introducing more interstate buses from ISBT terminals and promoting the transition to cleaner BS6, electric, or CNG vehicles for interstate transportation. Lastly, further enforcements were implemented, which led to the seizure of 800,000 electric rickshaws in the state.

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The timeline for the full implementation remains to be determined, but officials emphasize the urgency of addressing the capital's traffic crisis. The program's effectiveness will likely depend on public acceptance and the seamless integration of the charging technology.