Context:
- The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, is considering the revival of shared cab rides that were discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The move is part of a broader strategy to combat deteriorating air quality, as Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) slipped into the “very poor” category.
- The government is simultaneously promoting electric mobility, strengthening vehicle fitness enforcement, and exploring carpooling solutions.
Key Highlights:
Policy Proposal: Shared Cab Revival
- Discussions planned with cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber to restart shared taxi services.
- Objective: Reduce number of vehicles on roads while maintaining daily commuter convenience.
- Shared mobility seen as a cost-effective and pollution-reducing transport solution.
Electric Mobility Push
- Emphasis on electric vehicles (EVs) as a long-term pollution mitigation measure.
- Integration of private electric vehicles into the city’s taxi service ecosystem.
- Electric mobility aligned with Delhi’s broader clean transport goals.
Infrastructure & Vehicle Fitness Measures
- Review of vehicle fitness testing centres across Delhi.
- Jhajjar fitness centre operational, conducting ~70,000 tests annually.
- Burari facility upgraded; Tekhand centre expected to become operational.
- Four centres projected to test nearly 2.5 lakh commercial vehicles annually.
Enforcement Against Polluting Vehicles
- Under Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) enforcement:
- 28 buses impounded in a single day for emission norm violations.
- Nearly 5,000 vehicles inspected and ~4,000 challans issued in 24 hours.
- Transport Department intensified checks to deter high-emission vehicles.
Air Quality Outlook & Warnings
- Delhi’s 24-hour average AQI reached 332 (“very poor”), worsening from previous day.
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) projections suggest AQI likely to remain “very poor” for several days.
- Environment Minister warned that weather deterioration and western disturbances may further aggravate pollution levels.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Severe air pollution and vehicular emissions in Delhi.
- Causes:
- High vehicular density
- Adverse meteorological conditions
- Emission norm violations
- Government Initiatives:
- Revival of shared mobility
- Promotion of electric vehicles
- GRAP enforcement
- Expansion of vehicle fitness testing infrastructure
- Benefits:
- Reduced congestion
- Lower per capita emissions
- Affordable urban transport
- Challenges:
- Public acceptance of shared rides
- Enforcement capacity
- Infrastructure readiness for EVs
- Impact:
- Improved urban air quality (potential)
- Strengthened compliance with emission norms
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Provisions:
- GRAP implemented based on AQI thresholds
- Vehicle emission norms enforced under Motor Vehicles Act
- Keywords & Concepts:
- Shared mobility
- Electric mobility
- Urban air pollution
- Sustainable transport
- Static & Conceptual Linkages:
- Urban governance and environment
- Climate change mitigation through transport reforms
- Way Forward:
- Incentivising shared and electric mobility
- Integrating public transport with last-mile connectivity
- Strengthening emission monitoring using technology
- Behavioural change campaigns for sustainable commuting
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS I: Urbanisation – Urban transport challenges
- GS II: Governance – Policy responses to environmental crises
- GS III: Environment – Air pollution, climate action, sustainable transport
- GS IV: Ethics – Public responsibility, intergenerational equity