Odd-even: Over 5,000 execs enrol for CNG-run shuttle services

Ahead of the odd-even road rationing rule in Delhi, which starts on Friday, over 5,000 employees of MNCs and BPOs in Noida have enrolled for CNG-run shuttle services, as compared to the 3,000 who opted the last time that this rule was implemented.

“The numbers are likely to rise from Monday. Many employees have shifted to shuttle services provided by different aggregators while others have hired private shuttle services. Many of the shuttle aggregators have stuck bills near the offices of MNCs and BPOs advertising the services offered by them. So far, more than 5,000 enrolments have been confirmed,” said Sameer Saxena, founder-member, facility management zone (FMZ), north India. FMZ is an association of facility managers of BPO and MNC offices.

A majority of the MNCs’ offices in the city provide pick up and drop service to their employees. Before the second edition of the odd-even scheme, they have asked their cab service providers to send only CNG-run cabs as they are exempt from the road rationing rule.

CNG-run cabs will also help in case a cab breaks down and a backup needs to be sent. “As MNCs work round the clock, we cannot rely on the registration number of a diesel vehicle to send to Delhi. In case of breakdown of a cab or any other problem, we will have to send a backup vehicle bearing an odd/even registration number according

to the one that has the permission to ply the next day. This will restrict our choices,” said Ajit Pandey, facility manager at an MNC and an FMZ member.

There are about 450 MNCs, BPOs, IT industry offices and domestic call centres in Noida and Greater Noida employing over 1.5 lakh people. Many of the employees are residents of Delhi and face problems in commuting during the odd-even rule.

“The last time we used the CNG shuttles, it was due to the government’s rule. But this time, we are willing to do it for the sake of the environment. Since the last odd-even rule, 10 of my friends have been using a CNG minibus and we are happy to do our bit for the environment,” said Krishan Pratap Singh, a Delhi resident who works at an MNC at the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway.

MNCs have started circulating e-mail and SMS alerts about the odd-even rule and requesting employees to cooperate with the organisation in following it.

“The roads are less crowded during odd-even rationing days. Last time, we used to reach office early. We are looking forward to carpooling this time too,” said Vikas Rana, an MNC employee.