NEW DELHI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing odd-even traffic scheme in the Indian capital has reduced travel time by up to 38 percent, a new survey has found.

Photo: VCG

As per the odd-even traffic scheme implemented from Nov. 4-15, vehicles bearing registering numbers ending with an even digit will be allowed to ply on even dates, and those having registering numbers ending with an odd digit will be allowed to ply on odd dates.

Women-driven cars, two-wheelers, cars having schools kids in uniforms, emergency vehicles, commercial cabs, among others have been exempted from the scheme.

It was the third time that the odd-even traffic scheme has been implemented in the Indian capital.

The main aim of the scheme was to curb air pollution, which has gripped Delhi over the past few weeks. One of the reasons for the deteriorating air quality in Delhi has been the smoke emitted by vehicles.

Besides curbing air pollution, the scheme also results in halving the number of vehicles on Delhi roads, cutting down travel time.

According to a survey conducted by Delhi-based School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), due to the scheme traffic flow had decreased by up to 16 percent, and travel time reduced by up to 38 percent.

Professor Sewa Ram of the SPA was quoted as saying on Thursday that even a 10 percent reduction in traffic volume improves the driving experience in Delhi.

"During the survey, the SPA is monitoring traffic and travel patterns three times a day in different parts of the city. We will analyse the overall data after the scheme is over on Nov. 15," said the professor.