Stuck in Noida traffic? Blame wrong-lane driving for the chaos
During peak hours, Road-6 that goes from Sector-71 to National Highway-24 sees snarls regularly. Near the Phase 3 police station, those coming from Sector-64 and Gari Chokhandi village enter from the wrong side to take the elevated road.
Wrong-lane driving along Noida’s major U-turns and roundabouts has become a major cause for traffic congestion. Residents say the practice is rampant because there are not enough traffic police personnel on the roads to regulate vehicles.
During peak hours, Road 6 that goes from Sector 71 to National Highway-24 sees snarls regularly. Near the Phase 3 police station, those coming from Sector 64 and Gari Chokhandi village enter from the wrong side to take the elevated road.
The commuters do not have direct access to the elevated road in Sector 60 due to the ongoing construction work of an underpass. They make a wrong entry from the U- turn near Uflex Limited, which is meant for commuters coming off the elevated road and Sector 71.
The flow of vehicles from both sides hampers the movement of vehicles going towards NH-24 and those going towards Sector 71 roundabout. All traffic gets merged and congestion is reduced only by manually regulating the traffic.
“People can come from any direction, risking their lives and that of others. This practice creates long jams. At such places, more traffic personnel should be deployed. The agency executing the underpass project could also deploy a worker there to stop any wrong entry,” said Subhash Nagar, a motorist.
Wrong lane driving often results in road rage incidents. The worst-affected stretches are from Sector 71 to Sector 78 and near Noida City Centre, commuters said.
“We have already launched a drive against wrong-lane driving. But signages and boards are already installed everywhere. Instead of taking a longer detour that ensures safety, people drive on the wrong side. The police cannot be present everywhere. People have to take responsibility too,” said Prabal Pratap Singh, SP, Traffic.
A similar problem exists on the road from Sector 71 to Sector 78. People who have to enter Sector 75 and 76 take the wrong lane to avoid a detour. However, this was recently brought under control after traffic police imposed a fine on violators.
Another area where the problem persists is Noida City Centre. Commuters who have to enter Sector 51 do not take the route which passes from Sector 50 market. They enter from an exit near Surbhi Hospital which is meant for vehicles coming from Sector 51 and going towards Sector 71 roundabout.
Traffic officials said they are seeking the help of residents’ welfare associations to create awareness among drivers.