Every day, millions of commuters rely on the Noida Expressway to travel between Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and beyond. With so many vehicles on the road, traffic jams have become a regular hassle.
In a bid to clear up these jams and keep the roads moving, the Noida Traffic Police has declared the expressway as a breakdown challan zone.
In simple words, this means that if a vehicle, especially a commercial one, breaks down and causes a blockage, the owner could face a heavy fine or even have the vehicle taken away.
What Is This New Rule All About?
The main goal behind this rule is to stop vehicles from causing unnecessary delays. Every day, about 8 to 10 lakh vehicles travel on this expressway. Many times, a broken-down truck or bus can block the road and lead to long traffic snarls.
To prevent this, the new rule says that if a vehicle stops working on the expressway or does not have proper documents like a fitness certificate, valid registration, or a pollution under control certificate, the owner will get a penalty.
The rule was introduced to make sure that all commercial vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and overloading vehicles, are in proper condition before they hit the road.
For now, passenger vehicles are not affected by this rule. The focus is on commercial vehicles that carry heavy loads and have a higher chance of causing a blockage, if they break down.
How Will It Affect Commercial Vehicle Owners?
If you own or manage a commercial vehicle, you must take extra care of your ride. The new rule means that if your vehicle breaks down on the expressway, you could be fined anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000.
Moreover, the traffic police have the power to seize the vehicle if it is causing a blockage. This rule falls under Section 201 of the Motor Vehicles Act, and it is strictly enforced to keep the expressway clear for everyone.
Lakhan Singh Yadav, the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Traffic, shared that the new rules are meant to create awareness among vehicle owners. He mentioned that in the past week alone, 22 vehicles were seized and 210 were fined for breaking down on the expressway.
The police are watching the road 24 hours a day through smart cameras and regular patrols to ensure that no one breaks the rules.
Key Areas Under Strict Watch
The expressway has certain spots where traffic problems are more common. Locations such as the DND Flyover, Chilla Border, and Prerna Sthal are known trouble areas where breakdowns can cause serious congestion.
These hotspots are closely monitored so that any vehicle causing a blockage is immediately dealt with. By setting up 30 traffic checkpoints along the 25-kilometer stretch, the traffic authorities are determined to keep the roads clear and safe for all commuters.
New Speed Limits on the Roads
In addition to cracking down on breakdowns, the authorities have also revised the speed limits on nearby expressways. On the Yamuna Expressway, the speed limit for light vehicles has been brought down from 100 km per hour to 75 km per hour.
For heavy vehicles, the limit has been lowered from 80 km per hour to 60 km per hour. The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway has seen similar changes with the speed limits for light vehicles now at 75 km per hour and heavy vehicles at 50 km per hour.
These changes are in effect until mid-February 2025 during the peak winter months when road conditions can be tricky.
What This Means for Daily Commuters
For those who travel daily on the Noida Expressway, these rules bring a mix of relief and caution. On the one hand, the strict measures mean fewer breakdowns and smoother traffic flow.
On the other hand, commercial vehicle owners must keep their rides in top shape, or the extra charges might end up affecting their business costs.
The overall aim is to create a safer and more reliable route for everyone, making sure that the expressway remains a strong lifeline for the region.
In the end, the decision to declare the Noida Expressway as a breakdown challan zone is a step in the right direction for reducing traffic congestion and ensuring smoother travel. It sends a clear message to commercial vehicle owners to keep their vehicles in good condition or be ready to face the consequences.
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