"If there is a single woman or only women in the car, it could be exempted. However, where the woman is accompanied by a male passenger, an exemption may lead to misuse. A view is emerging that the first two categories should be exempt, besides cars carrying patients,"said the CM after his meeting with home minister Rajnath Singh.

Delhi government officials were quick to qualify the CM's statement, saying that there were various other issues under consideration as well and a final plan would be rolled out before December 25.

Wednesday saw hectic activity within the Delhi government as each department held meetings and consultations over the plan. Transport minister Gopal Rai said that from January 1, which is from when this plan will be implemented, as many as 4,000 additional buses would be pressed into service.

After a meeting with the Delhi Contract Bus Association (DCBA), an apex body of contract carriage and tourist bus operators in Delhi, Rai said: "Around 4,000 extra CNG buses will be on the roads between January 1 and 15. A committee has been formed to chalk out details of the proposal. These buses will be operated through Delhi Transport Corporation."

The proposed relaxations in the odd-even scheme come amid Union home minister Rajnath Singh's concerns regarding impact of the scheme on vehicles used by the handicapped and aged, those handling emergencies, working women driving home alone as well as the inadequacy of public transport to take the load of half the people now using cars.

The meeting ended on a positive note, with the home minister extending the Centre's and Delhi Police's cooperation in enforcing the odd-even scheme "in the best possible manner" and Kejriwal, accompanied by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, agreeing to rework the proposed scheme to accommodate Singh's concerns.

Singh, while acknowledging the growing pollution in Delhi/NCR and the need for steps to check it, advised Kejriwal to review the scheme and take into account vehicles for the handicapped, those handling emergencies or used by working women driving alone; and two-wheelers as they are owned by the aam aadmi who may be living in areas not connected by public transport.

He also warned against misuse of the scheme by the wealthy who can afford two vehicles, sought clarity on vehicles coming into Delhi from nearby towns, and suggested coordination with other towns in the NCR to encourage them to follow a similar policy.

Expressing gratitude to Singh for responding positively to the odd-even scheme, which will be implemented on an experimental basis from January 1 to 15 next year, Kejriwal told reporters that the Delhi government "will sort out the issues, prepare an outline of the scheme and discuss it with the Centre".

Asked if the continued dilution of the odd-even scheme pointed to lack of homework, Kejriwal said his government was faced with either doing its homework for two-three years, letting children and vulnerable people take ill or die due to pollution, or implement the plan right away by taking everyone on board.

"We will test it over 15 days, learn from it and enforce it further," the CM said.

Interestingly, Singh also advised Kejriwal to find alternative ways to tackle pollution, looking at sources other than vehicles, especially industrial units not following emission norms and burning of leaves. He also stressed on the need for a long-term solution with regard to vehicles. Suggestions included phasing out non-CNG vehicles from the NCT in the next 2-3 years by registering only CNG/hybrid vehicles. The home minister said such schemes should be finalized only in consultation with all stakeholders.

The second issue raised by Kejriwal with Singh related to installation of CCTVs in Delhi, the details of which have been worked out by the city government. "We will need support of Delhi Police here as the feed will ultimately go to them," he said, adding that Singh had assured them of cooperation.

On Thursday, transport minister Gopal Rai has also scheduled a meeting with heads of the schools in Delhi to see whether school buses can be also roped in for the 15 days trial run. Thursday will also see health and PWD minister Satyendar Jain meet with district magistrates, SDMs, environment department and the municipal corporations to discuss ways to curbing dust pollution. The meeting will also focus on measures enforced to prevent open burning of waste and leaves and what concerned agencies have done so far in terms of inspections and issuance of fines.

Meanwhile, Delhi Dialogue Commission (DDC) held a daylong consultation with over a dozen service providers to enhance ridesharing, carpooling and shuttle services in the two week period. The meeting was attended by Delhi Traffic Police officials and representatives of Pool My Ride, Embarq India, Tripda.in, Carzonrent, Uber, Ola, Shuttl.com, NearGroup.in, Ibibo, Ryde, Mega Carpool private limited, Mega Cabs, LetsDriveAlong.com, BaxiTaxi, Orahi, Cykul and DIMTS.

"The consultations focused particularly on security features such as verification process of the identities of drivers and riders who participate via carpooling apps, audit log mechanisms, liabilities and SOS alert mechanisms. To develop the framework of ridesharing and carpooling services, the government also examined how such services are delivered in other countries, such as Singapore, Ireland and others. DDC will submit a blueprint on carpooling and its effective implementation to the government by early next week.

The chief secretary also held a meeting to discuss the provisions under which a penalty can be imposed if this rule is not followed. Sources said that the penalty clause can be introduced under Acts for both air pollution and motor vehicles. A decision is likely to be taken within this week.