Noida: Commuters want signage on Sector 71-Barola route

Commuters said that signage, informing them of the diversion, should be installed at least half a kilometre before the diversion so that commuters can use other routes and avoid snarls.

In the absence of diversion signage on the route from Barola to Sector 71, commuters are having a harrowing time reaching their destinations. Due to the ongoing construction of Noida-Greater Noida Metro line, a diversion was made near Sector 71 intersection, which will be in force for at least three more days.

Commuters said that the problem worsens in the evening when the visibility decreases and it becomes more difficult for commuters to spot the diversion (Sunil Ghosh/HT Photo)

Commuters said that signage, informing them of the diversion, should be installed at least half a kilometre before the diversion so that commuters can use other routes and avoid snarls.

“One sees the signage on reaching the diversion. A commuter has to take a U-turn and enter the opposite side, which causes congestion and increases the risk of accidents as some drivers drive on the wrong side of the road. The volume of traffic is already high and commuters get stuck here,” Aditya Singh of Sector 78 said.

Commuters said that the problem worsens in the evening when the visibility decreases and it becomes more difficult for commuters to spot the diversion. “The U-turn has not been made keeping in mind the safety concerns of commuters,” Vishal Nagar, a commuter, said.

The route is being used by residents of sectors 78, 76, 50 and Barola to travel towards National Highway-24, Ghaziabad, Sector 63, Sector 62, Sector 71, Noida Extension and other areas.

Commuters also claimed that many use this road, where the diversion has come up, to refill CNG in their vehicles at the stations on the route, which further compounds traffic problems.

Traffic inspector Layak Singh said, “The construction work will end within three to four days, after which the route will be opened. We have deployed traffic personnel to ensure the movement remains smooth for commuters. Signage cannot be installed on every route.”

After four days, vehicles going towards Barola will have to face the inconvenience. “A similar diversion will be made and commuters will have to move on the wrong side of the road for a few days. The diversion has been made as Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) is setting up U-shaped girders on the corridor and have deployed machinery for the same,” Layak Singh said.