Odd-even rule lifted across Sikkim, restriction to continue in Gangtok city

BIJOY GURUNG

GANGTOK,: The odd-even restriction imposed on private vehicles across Sikkim has been withdrawn by the State government except for Gangtok town. A notification to this effect was issued by the Home department on May 31.

In its notification, the Home department said: “The odd-even restriction on the movement of private vehicles in all districts of the State, except Gangtok town, shall stand withdrawn with immediate effect.”

The government informed the decision to lift the restrictions was taken following a review to ascertain the availability of buffer stock of Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel in the State. The Food & Civil Supplies department indicated that adequate buffer stock has now been created to meet the prevailing requirements, the government said.

Earlier this month on May 18, the State government rolled out the implementation of the odd-even vehicle restriction norm across the State to save fuel, and announced to strengthen public transport to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The implementation came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to people to reduce fuel consumption and spend more wisely in view of the West Asia crisis.

Meanwhile, the restriction on account of plying of odd-even vehicles within Gangtok town, as notified in October 2024, shall continue to remain in force. Similarly, the restriction imposed on government vehicles as notified on May 14 will continue.

Taxis and two-wheelers along with essential services are exempted from the odd-even rule.

Earlier on Sunday, the Sikkim BJP has said it is deeply concerned regarding the immense hardships being faced by the people of Sikkim due to the implementation of the odd-even vehicle movement restrictions across the State. The alliance party had urged the State government to immediately withdraw the odd-even vehicle movement restrictions so as to provide much-needed relief to the people of Sikkim.

The State BJP added that it appreciates the intent behind any policy measure aimed at addressing prevailing challenges and acknowledges the efforts of the government in ensuring public safety and administrative management. However, it is equally important that policies remain practical, humane, and sensitive to the day-to-day realities faced by the people, the party said.

The current restrictions have made commuting increasingly difficult for many families, disrupted daily schedules, and added unnecessary burdens upon citizens already navigating geographical and logistical constraints, said the State BJP.

“Keeping the welfare and convenience of the people at the centre, BJP Sikkim calls upon the State government to reconsider the decision and immediately withdraw the odd-even vehicle movement restrictions so as to provide much-needed relief to the people of Sikkim.”

Later in an evening social media post, the Sikkim BJP expressed its sincere gratitude to the State government for withdrawing the odd-even vehicle restrictions across Sikkim, following the significant improvement in the fuel situation in the State.

“This timely decision will greatly ease the difficulties faced by the people, especially in rural areas where public transport is not properly available throughout the day and citizens rely on personal vehicles for daily transportation, essential needs, and emergencies.We also appreciate the government’s proactive austerity measures during this challenging period of global crises,” said the State BJP.

Meanwhile, a PIL was heard in the High Court of Sikkim last week which challenges the imposition of vehicular movement restrictions including odd-even rule across Sikkim. The court directed the State government to submit the measures it has taken for public transport to enable free movement of the public in view of the odd-even traffic movement system in place across Sikkim.