Noida expressway declared ‘breakdown challan’ zone; violators to be fined Rs 5k-20k

Noida expressway

The Noida Expressway has been designated as a 'breakdown challan' stretch by the traffic police.

Meant to address the frequent traffic snarls caused by vehicle breakdowns on the busy expressway, the new rule allows the traffic police to issue fines and even impound vehicles that break down and obstruct the flow of traffic.

With nearly 5 lakh commuters using the expressway daily, connecting Noida, Greater Noida, Delhi, and the Yamuna Expressway, traffic congestion has become a significant issue. The fines for causing such obstructions will be levied under Section 201 of the Motor Vehicles Act, with penalties ranging from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000.

DCP (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav said that the heavy volume of vehicles leads to severe congestion, especially during peak hours, and breakdowns worsen the situation. "If a vehicle breaks down on the expressway, traffic police will tow the vehicle and issue fines. Vehicles without a valid fitness certificate or necessary permits may also be impounded," he said.

However, private car owners need not worry for now, as the rule currently targets commercial vehicles.

According to a Times of India report, in the first 10 days of this month (February) alone, nearly 50 vehicles have been fined or seized.

While a simple breakdown isn’t a violation, obstructing traffic is. Vehicles without a valid fitness certificate, registration, pollution under control (PUC) certificate, or those found overloaded can face penalties. Vehicles must also comply with emission norms set by the National Green Tribunal, which caps the age of petrol vehicles at 15 years and diesel vehicles at 10 years. Traffic cops typically ask drivers to present these documents once the vehicle is towed. Now, fines will be issued on the spot if documents are missing.

To manage such situations, the traffic department currently operates one hydraulic crane and two smaller ones for towing vehicles. The expressway is monitored 24x7 through ITMS cameras and manual patrolling, with officers stationed at 30 traffic points along the 25 km stretch. Cops are informed within five minutes of a breakdown, and cranes reach the spot in about 10 minutes. In cases involving cars and SUVs, officers sometimes push the vehicles to the roadside if possible.

Despite measures like diversions from the Chilla Border through Udyog Marg and the sectors 15 and 18 stretches during peak hours, traffic congestion remains a problem. The police are also widening a 250-meter stretch between the Chilla Border and Mahamaya Flyover to improve traffic flow near the DND Flyway loop.

Many commercial vehicle operators have criticised the penalties as excessive. Brajesh Mudgal, a bus operator, shared his experience of having his bus seized after a tire burst near Mahamaya Flyover.

"The driver had parked safely and arranged another bus for the passengers. Despite having valid documents, the police impounded the bus. I even met with the DCP (traffic) to request the release of my vehicle, but there’s been no progress," he said.

A traffic cop mentioned that around 20-30 VIPs commute between Delhi and Noida daily, requiring special traffic arrangements. A vehicle breakdown during such movements can significantly worsen traffic congestion.