In an effort to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion during peak hours, the Delhi government is set to introduce a congestion tax aimed at charging drivers for using specific roads during these high-traffic periods. This ambitious plan was reported by ETAuto, highlighting the initiative as part of a broader strategy to enhance urban mobility and reduce pollution in the national capital.

According to Shahzad Alam, the special commissioner of transport, the government's focus is on developing a robust congestion pricing strategy. He emphasized that new fund allocations are being made to better manage transportation infrastructure in Delhi. This new approach is being viewed as a significant step towards managing road usage effectively during congested hours. “What we are working on is called congestion pricing,” Alam stated, indicating a structured effort to create a fairer system for road use.

For the pilot phase of this project, 13 locations on the borders of Delhi have been earmarked for initial implementation. This plan follows previous discussions from 2018 when a similar proposal was put forward by then-Lt. Governor Anil Baijal. At that time, the government was contemplating a charge for vehicles entering congested road stretches, particularly during peak hours. Notably, Baijal had pointed out that extensive consultations with experts and public feedback would be essential before rolling out such a policy.

Historically, various recommendations have been made regarding congestion charges in urban areas, particularly in cities that have successfully implemented similar systems. In 2017, a parliamentary panel had also suggested imposing a toll on congested roads in the capital. Such policies have already been adopted in global cities like Singapore, London, and Stockholm, where congestion pricing has proven effective in managing road traffic and reducing congestion.

Meanwhile, in a related context, the issue of traffic congestion has also prompted recommendations for other major cities in India. For instance, a recent report titled Karnataka’s Decade - Roadmap to $1 Trillion Economy suggested that Bengaluru authorities consider imposing a congestion tax on high-density roads to mitigate rush hour traffic. The revenue generated from such a tax could be used to enhance public transport systems, reduce pollution, and improve overall quality of life for residents.

In line with these efforts, the Delhi Transport Department has recently launched a fresh crackdown on overage vehicles to combat air pollution in the national capital. The department has mandated that traffic police deploy four teams in every municipal zone, working in coordination with its enforcement wing to impound diesel and petrol vehicles that are over 10 and 15 years old, respectively. This initiative aligns with the government's commitment to improving air quality and reducing the environmental impact of older, more polluting vehicles.

As per the latest figures, over 55 lakh overage vehicles have already been deregistered in the national capital. This move aims to not only address the air pollution crisis but also to contribute to the overall reduction of vehicular traffic on Delhi's roads.

The proposed congestion tax is a crucial part of Delhi's ongoing efforts to manage traffic effectively and improve urban transport systems. By charging drivers for using specified roads during peak traffic hours, the government hopes to encourage alternative modes of transport and reduce the number of vehicles on the road. As discussions continue, it will be interesting to see how public feedback shapes the final implementation of this congestion pricing strategy.

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