Dept red tape keeps traffic signal out of work for over five months

This is the ultimate in red-tapism. A traffic signal at an extremely busy intersection stopped functioning more than five months ago and it has been that way since then, reports Abhishek Sharan.

This is the ultimate in red-tapism. A traffic signal at an extremely busy intersection stopped functioning more than five months ago and it has been that way since then.

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The traffic signal in question is the one that regulates traffic flow between Delhi and Noida on the two-lane Noida link road.

A survey report, done by the traffic police, states that during the peak hours in the morning, around 4,643 vehicles pass this crossing. The figure in the evening stands at around 5,017 vehicles.

The signal is also expected to handle vehicular traffic that merges with the Noida link road from three other directions —- Vasundhara Enclave, Mayur Kunj Residential Enclave and Shani temple area.

Hindustan Times visited the spot to find utter chaos both during the day and in the evening. Vehicles zip past the signal on the two-lane Noida Link road unmindful of the pedestrians waiting at the zebra crossing to cross the road.

Sikander Yadav, who runs an eatery there, said, “It’s been over five months since the signal has stopped working. A big accident can occur here anytime.”

Animesh Sinha, a management graduate who works with a private firm, said, “If you can negotiate the traffic at this point, it means you are a good driver.” He too rued the fact that despite many complaints, it as not been fixed.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi range) Suvashish Chaudhary said, “It’s true that the traffic signal near the Delhi-Noida border is lying in-operational since a long time owing to some internal, procedural delay in getting it repaired.” He added, “I am assuring you that we will direct the contractor, KELTRON — which is responsible for its upkeep, to repair it within four days.”