Noida Traffic Police to Fine and Seize Vehicles Causing Congestion from Breakdowns
The Noida traffic police have implemented a new policy where vehicles that break down on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway will face fines and possible seizure. This novel initiative, introduced by the traffic department, aims to minimise traffic disruptions on a road that sees a high volume of commuters daily.
The Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, which stretches from the DND-Chilla border to the end of Noida, is one of the most important thoroughfares in the region. It witnesses a daily influx of approximately 220,000 vehicles, with around 110,000 passing through the Chilla border. This high volume often leads to severe congestion, especially when vehicles break down, even for a brief period. The Noida traffic police observed that breakdowns between the DND-Chilla border and the expressway had become a significant cause of traffic snarls, which disrupt the commute for thousands of people.
Lakhan Singh Yadav, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) in Noida, explained that the new measure would be enforced from morning until night to prevent unnecessary delays and improve overall traffic flow. The initiative is designed to discourage vehicles from causing avoidable congestion, particularly in a busy area where every minute counts. According to the new policy, if a vehicle breaks down on the expressway, the owner will face a fine under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act, specifically Section 184. The fine imposed is ₹5,000 for causing congestion due to breakdowns. The vehicle may also be seized if necessary. The police department has been actively monitoring the situation and has already issued fines and seized several vehicles that have caused traffic disruptions. In the past week alone, traffic police seized 21 vehicles and fined 210 others for breakdowns on the expressway. This action is part of the department’s ongoing efforts to ensure smoother traffic flow, particularly on the heavily trafficked Noida-Greater Noida stretch.
The focus of the initiative extends beyond private vehicles. Commercial vehicles, including buses, cabs, and trucks, are also under scrutiny. These vehicles must meet strict criteria, such as having valid fitness certificates and permits. Additionally, they must not be overloaded and should adhere to servicing schedules and National Green Tribunal regulations regarding the vehicle’s age—no more than 15 years for petrol vehicles and 10 years for diesel vehicles. The enforcement of these rules ensures that vehicles are in optimal condition, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns. By targeting commercial vehicles, the traffic police hope to improve the efficiency of public transport and goods movement on the expressway. While the initiative has garnered praise for addressing the traffic congestion caused by vehicle breakdowns, there have been mixed reactions from commuters. Some residents, like Prakash Mishra from Sector 26, feel that the policy is beneficial and helps ensure smoother commutes for everyone. He emphasised that it is important to penalise vehicles that cause avoidable delays.
However, others argue that penalties for sudden and unexpected breakdowns, such as a flat tyre, should be considered an exception. Brajesh Kumar, a Delhi-based transporter, shared his experience when his bus was seized by the traffic police despite having a valid fitness certificate. He explained that the breakdown occurred unexpectedly, and he was left with a significant financial burden to release the bus from the court. Kumar’s case highlights a concern that while the initiative is intended to reduce congestion, the enforcement may need to account for genuine mechanical failures that are not always predictable. The new measures introduced by the Noida traffic police reflect the growing need for more organised and efficient traffic management systems, especially on busy roads like the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. While the penalties for breakdowns are seen as an effective way to ensure smooth traffic flow, there may need to be more leniency in cases of unexpected mechanical issues. Ultimately, this initiative is a step towards enhancing the daily commute for residents, and it remains to be seen how it will evolve to balance enforcement with fairness for all drivers.
