Traffic policemen need to pull up their socks: Sandip Chandra

Sandip Chandra, head of traffic cell, Noida authority speaks to HT about the traffic woes of the township.

Why the roads are plagued with traffic congestion, especially near roundabouts and cuts?
Commuters coming from different directions take U-turns at roundabouts and cuts at the same time. This creates chaos because some of the cuts and roundabouts are relatively narrower. Therefore, to address the issue of congestion, the authority is constructing U-turns and cuts at several places.

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How many U-turns are being constructed and how many have already been constructed to rid the city of traffic congestion?
To ensure smooth ride for commuters, we construct U-turns as per the requirement. We do not plan these U-turns in bulk but construct them as and when needed.

Why the authority is failing to ensure jam-free roads in the city?
The Noida authority has installed high-tech traffic signals and taken several measures to maintain order on roads. The reason of congestion is that traffic constables do not man all 59 traffic signals.

There are 100 traffic constables for 59 traffic signals. Still, not all the signals are manned properly. Traffic police need to pull up their socks.

What is the mega traffic plans to address congestion issue that trouble thousands of commuters daily?
The Noida authority is working on to put in place intelligent traffic system (ITS) in the entire city. To begin with, the authority will implement ITS on the Noida Expressway very soon.

In the first phase, the authority is planning to ensure signal-free connectivity on two roads - Master Plan-2 and 3. On Master Plan-3 Road, we will construct three new underpasses- one each as Sector 94, City Centre and Sector 71/72 crossing.

Another underpass will be constructed at Model Town to ensure a signal-free ride. On the Master Plan-2 Road, the authority has decided to build a 4.8-km elevated road. Soon, Noida will become a city with hassle-free traffic.