After two days of challenging traffic situations, the main borders connecting Delhi with Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon witnessed a significant improvement in traffic flow. Restrictions were eased by the police, and additional lanes were opened to facilitate smoother movement. The initial congestion, caused by stringent curbs despite the absence of protesting farmers near Delhi, had inconvenienced commuters, disrupting their schedules.
Eased Restrictions and Improved Flow
While NH-9 at UP Gate remained closed for the third consecutive day, commuters found alternative routes via Khora Colony, Mayur Vihar Phase 3, Kaushambi, and Vaishali to access the capital. Though traffic checks persisted at the border’s flyover, leading to some morning rush-hour congestion, the situation was notably better than the preceding days.
Commuter Experiences
Sanchit Sharma, a resident of Ghaziabad’s Vijay Nagar, shared his experience of being delayed near the UP Gate flyover due to vehicle checks. He noted that about 50% of the flyover remained heavily barricaded, contributing to the slowdown. Traffic police inspector Santosh Singh attributed the relatively low traffic volume to Basant Panchami festivities, mentioning that movement improved after barricades were removed from the Anand Vihar side of the flyover.
Resonance of Past Blockades
For many residents, the border barricades evoked memories of the yearlong farm agitation three years ago when UP Gate remained sealed for nearly 13 months. Ashish Kumar, a lawyer residing in Supertech Icon in Indirapuram, expressed concerns about a potential reoccurrence of traffic disruptions akin to the events of 2020-21.
Parental Concerns and Calls for Action
With board exams approaching, parents have urged education boards to relocate exam centers away from border areas to avoid potential disruptions. Vikas Bansal, a concerned parent, emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s safety and advocated for online classes should traffic disruptions persist due to the ongoing farmer protests.
As the city navigates through these challenges, commuters and residents alike hope for a swift resolution to alleviate traffic woes and ensure smooth connectivity to and from Delhi.
Smooth Traffic Flow on DND, Restrictions at Kalindi Kunj
In Noida, commuters experienced smoother traffic flow on the DND (Delhi Noida Direct) expressway on Wednesday as Delhi Police opened additional lanes. However, at Kalindi Kunj, traffic continued to be restricted to two lanes towards Delhi, leading to snarls, particularly during rush hours. Fortunately, no significant congestion was reported at the Chilla border.
Relief for Gurgaon-Delhi Commuters
Commuters traveling from Gurgaon to Delhi, who had endured lengthy tailbacks at Rajokri on Tuesday due to barricading on the expressway, breathed a sigh of relief as traffic flow remained relatively smooth on Wednesday. According to DCP Traffic Virender Vij, “No traffic problems were reported in Gurgaon on Wednesday due to security arrangements made in connection with the farmers’ protest.”
Smooth Sailing on Old Delhi Highway and MG Road
Other major link roads like the Old Delhi Highway and MG Road also experienced smooth traffic flow without any significant snarls. In Faridabad, police issued a traffic advisory recommending alternative routes for vehicles heading towards Delhi and Faridabad, aiming to alleviate congestion and facilitate smoother movement.
Concerns and Calls for Resolution
Despite the current ease in traffic, commuters like Rashi Sharma, an executive in Cyber City, express concerns about the potential impact of ongoing developments. She highlights the need for a swift resolution to the stalemate to prevent inconvenience to the common man, especially with the imminent return to office for many.
Farmers’ Protest Updates
Rupesh Verma, GB Nagar district president of All India Kisan Sabha, informed that farmers would await developments until February 18 for the formation of a high-level committee to address their issues. Additionally, efforts are underway to mobilize support for a protest in Greater Noida on February 16.
Heightened Security Measures at Borders
Meanwhile, multi-tier barricading and heavy police deployment continued at the borders as Punjab farmers attempted to advance towards Delhi. However, blockades set up by Haryana Police effectively held them back, maintaining security and preventing further escalation of tensions.
Here’s How Common People Are Suffering
Impact on Commuters
The ongoing farmer’s protest has led to significant disruptions for the common man, particularly in terms of commuting. The stringent curbs and heightened security measures at the main borders connecting Delhi with Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon have caused immense inconvenience to commuters. Despite the absence of protesting farmers near Delhi, commuters have been subjected to long delays and disruptions to their schedules due to the stringent restrictions imposed by the authorities.
Eased Restrictions Bring Relief
Thankfully, there has been some respite as the police have eased restrictions and opened additional lanes to facilitate smoother movement at the main borders. This has resulted in a significant improvement in traffic flow, alleviating some of the challenges faced by commuters. Alternative routes have been identified to help commuters navigate through the affected areas and access the capital.
Challenges Persist
However, challenges still persist, especially at specific points such as NH-9 at UP Gate, where traffic remains closed for the third consecutive day. Despite efforts to ease congestion, traffic checks at border checkpoints and heavy barricading continue to contribute to delays and congestion, particularly during peak hours.
Resonance of Past Disruptions
For many residents, the current situation evokes memories of past disruptions, such as the yearlong farm agitation three years ago when UP Gate remained sealed for nearly 13 months. The potential for a reoccurrence of similar traffic disruptions is a cause for concern among commuters and residents alike.
Parental Concerns and Calls for Action
As board exams approach, parents are increasingly concerned about potential disruptions to their children’s education due to the ongoing protests. Urgent calls have been made to education boards to relocate exam centers away from border areas to avoid potential disruptions. The safety and well-being of students are paramount, and measures such as online classes are being advocated should traffic disruptions persist.
Hope for Resolution
Amidst these challenges, commuters and residents remain hopeful for a swift resolution to alleviate traffic woes and ensure smooth connectivity to and from Delhi. As efforts continue to address the grievances of the protesting farmers and find a mutually acceptable solution, there is optimism for a return to normalcy and uninterrupted commuting for the common man.
In Short:
The farmer’s protest has significantly impacted the lives of the common man, particularly in terms of commuting. The stringent restrictions and heightened security measures at the main borders connecting Delhi with neighboring cities have led to disruptions, delays, and inconveniences for commuters. Despite efforts to ease congestion and facilitate smoother movement, challenges persist, evoking memories of past disruptions and raising concerns about potential reoccurrences.
As parents express worries about the impact on their children’s education and safety, urgent calls are made for proactive measures to mitigate disruptions. However, amidst these challenges, there remains hope for a swift resolution to the protests, alleviating the burdens faced by the common man and restoring normalcy to daily life.