The Noida elevated road remains partially closed more than two weeks after a pothole appeared near Sector 33, as an IIT Roorkee team returned to inspect the damaged section but repairs were still not started. The closure has increased traffic pressure on internal roads, particularly during the festive season, leaving commuters from Noida and Ghaziabad facing longer delays.
The pothole was reported near the ISKCON Temple cut in Sector 33 on October 21. The Noida Authority subsequently engaged IIT Roorkee for a technical assessment and initially indicated that the affected stretch could be reopened within about 10 days. However, the repair work has not begun even after a second inspection.
During the latest visit, the IIT Roorkee team compared five samples collected earlier from the site with the condition of the existing road section. The inspection was intended to help determine the cause and extent of the problem, but the technical position remained unclear after the visit. The affected side of the elevated road therefore continues to remain closed.
The closure has diverted vehicles travelling between Sector 61 and Sector 18 onto alternative routes. One lane of the elevated road towards Sector 18 has been closed up to Sector 31, increasing traffic on roads below and on other internal links. The alternative routes suggested by the Noida Authority and traffic police have also been affected by encroachments and unauthorised parking.
Traffic problems have been reported near Sector 33, where vehicles are being parked on the main road below the transport department office, reducing the usable road width. Sector 27 is also facing roadside vehicle accumulation and encroachment. The pressure has extended to the Industry Marg route between Sector 52 and Sector 37, where congestion is frequently being reported.
The disruption became more severe on Wednesday as festive-season traffic added to the demand on roads already carrying vehicles diverted from the elevated route. The source report said commuters were not receiving relief despite being directed towards alternate roads, as obstructions on those roads were limiting traffic movement.
Residents’ welfare organisation KONRWA has asked the Noida Authority to reopen the closed side of the elevated road at the earliest. Its president, Dr PS Jain, and Noida chapter general secretary Rajiv Garg wrote to the Authority’s chief executive officer, saying that the road had been closed for repair for about 10 days but that work had still not started after two weeks. They also sought a technical investigation into the road quality and action against those found responsible for negligence.
Noida Authority general manager SP Singh said the IIT team would submit its findings. The Authority will prepare the repair plan after receiving the team’s conclusions, leaving the reopening date dependent on the technical assessment and subsequent repair process.
