Truck Buildup at UP Gate Toll Plaza Hinders Smooth Traffic Flow, Frustrating Commuters
Every night, commuters on the Delhi-Meerut Expressway encounter a frustrating bottleneck as trucks and goods carriers accumulate near the UP Gate toll plaza, impeding traffic flow on what is touted as India’s widest expressway.
Despite boasting three lanes, the expressway experiences congestion between 9 pm and 11 pm, primarily due to restrictions on commercial vehicles entering Delhi during specific hours. Trucks park along the thoroughfare, awaiting entry clearance into the capital, causing blocked paths and restricted driving space for Delhi-bound travellers.
Causes of Nightly Congestion:
- Entry Restrictions:
Commercial vehicles face entry restrictions into Delhi during peak hours, leading to trucks parking along the expressway. - Waiting for Clearance:
Trucks queue up near the UP Gate toll plaza, waiting for clearance to enter Delhi, contributing to the buildup. - Lack of Enforcement:
Despite the buildup being a known issue, there is a lack of effective enforcement to manage truck parking and traffic flow. - Logistical Challenges:
Efforts to urge drivers to avoid the border during restricted hours are hampered by logistical challenges, leading to continued congestion. - Jurisdictional Issues:
Coordination between different authorities, including NHAI and Ghaziabad police, is essential but often complicated by jurisdictional issues. - Encroachments:
Encroachments by vendors and auto stands further exacerbate the congestion, reducing available space for traffic flow.
The entrenched practice, coupled with a lack of intervention from authorities, exacerbates congestion, hindering traffic flow and impeding commuters’ journeys. While efforts to urge drivers to avoid the border during restricted hours exist, challenges persist due to uncertainties and jurisdictional issues.
Truck associations acknowledge the role of truck parking in contributing to congestion, but resolution efforts are hampered by logistical challenges and encroachments by vendors and auto stands.
NHAI project director emphasizes the need for enforcement by traffic police, while Ghaziabad police pledge appropriate measures to alleviate congestion, underscoring the urgency of coordinated efforts to address the issue and ensure smoother travel experiences for commuters.
