Snowfall In Sikkim; Gangtok To Enforce Odd-Even Traffic Rule Starting November 5

Sikkim is witnessing the very first snowfall of the season which is attracting a lot of tourists to the region. With the arrival of the snowfall, the capital city of Sikkim, Gangtok has welcomed a number of tourists. With sky-positive trends in the arrivals in mind, Sikkim government has announced ‘Odd-Even’ rule for the vehicles.

Snowfall In Sikkim; Gangtok To Enforce Odd-Even Traffic Rule Starting November 5

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In order to reduce traffic on the congested roads of Gangtok, this regulation comes into effect on 5th November 2024. Furthermore, this regulation was promulgated under Part VI of the Motor Vehicle Act of 1988, Section 115 and shall subsist for an indeterminate period.

The odd-even restriction applies on both personal vehicles as well as government vehicles according to the last digit of registration. For instance, cars which have a registration number ending with any of the digits that are classified as odd numbers (i.e 1, 3, 5, 7, 9), shall be in operation on the odd days of the month while all vehicles with a license registration number ending in any of the even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8), will be operational on the even calendar days of the month.

The restriction is applicable in the area falling within the municipal limits of Gangtok and along a stretch of the National Highway from Mayfair Fatak to GICI, Zero Point only. It is aimed at providing relief to both the residents as well as the visiting tourists.

The odd-even scheme shall be applied to particular hours of everyday operations, namely, from 9:30 to 12:00 and from 3:30 to 6:00 PM. Between the hours of 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM, every vehicle is hopelessly free to move without restrictions, which gives some reprieve to those who wish to move within the time period. Such a mix seeks to balance the various travel requirements across the day.

Every rule has its exceptions. For instance, some of the inscribed routes, such as Indira Bye-Pass and Northern Bye-Pass in Gangtok, are outside the jurisdiction. Furthermore, vehicles that enable services, such as clearly marked ambulances, are also excluded. The enforcement authorities will work to make sure that this rule is followed, as only the designated vehicles will be allowed on the road during stipulated times.

Also, the rule is not applicable on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, Sundays and other government holidays, which means free movement is allowed on these days. This provision provides more ease to the residents as well as visiting tourists, as there will be respite from the regulation in the weekends and special events.

In order to enforce the regulated compliance, the government of Sikkim has also formulated fines for the offenders, as laid down in Section 177 and subsection (1) of Section 179 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988. The dedication of the government in addressing the traffic situation in Gangtok in the high tourist season is evident in this.

The self-assessing approach will look at the extent to which the odd-even regime has caused a difference and make amends if necessary. This approach intends to rationalize traffic control however, allowing for easy and effective mobility within the city of Gangtok, even in the winter high season.