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Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Ghaziabad cops open DME for morning rush, close Delhi lanes by noon again
Noida: In a day marked by traffic flip-flops, the Delhi-Meerut Expressway's (DME) carriageway to the capital witnessed an unusual pattern of closures on Tuesday, as cops juggled between managing the kanwar pilgrim rush and addressing commuter woes during peak hours. Traffic police initially shut the carriageway early on Tuesday morning, blocking entry points at Khoda, ABES College, Crossings Republik, Dasna, and Bhojpur. However, facing pressure from office-goers during rush hour, the cops temporarily reopened the expressway between 10am and noon, only to close it again as pilgrim numbers swelled. The closure forced Delhi-bound traffic onto NH-9 — running parallel to DME — resulting in significant congestion. The situation affected regular commuters to Delhi who depend on the expressway for their travel. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida "With Shivratri falling on Wednesday, we've seen a significant increase in the number of kanwar pilgrims. While we initially restricted light vehicle movement from Tuesday morning, we had to temporarily relax the curbs when numerous office-goers pleaded access citing work commitments," said Ziauddin Ahmad, ACP (traffic) in Ghaziabad. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The restrictions, reimposed from noon, are expected to continue through Wednesday, with authorities monitoring pilgrim numbers for possible relaxation. While light showers provided some relief by keeping traffic volumes low, congestion persisted at DME exit points in Noida and Ghaziabad, where pilgrims merging onto city roads created bottlenecks. At Model Town crossing, groups of pilgrims, many dancing to DJ music, added to the traffic slowdown as they entered Noida. Among the pilgrims was Arjun Singh from New Ashok Nagar in Delhi, who made the journey to Haridwar on motorcycle. "The journey is long, but the spirit of devotion keeps us going. The chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' echo throughout, making the journey easy," he said. Kanwar pilgrims typically use three major routes in Ghaziabad — a 25km stretch along Pipeline Road from Loni Border to Niwari, a 42.5km route from Kadrabad to UP Gate via GT Road, and the DME, which remains popular among 'Dak Kanwariyas' — pilgrims using vehicles from western Uttar Pradesh to Haridwar and back. On Monday too, all expressway entry points were closed around 11.30am but were opened after an hour due to limited pilgrim presence and mounting traffic snarls.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Not many kanwariyas, cops reopen DME within an hour
Ghaziabad: Traffic cops in the city reopened the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME) on Monday, barely an hour after shutting down its entry and exit points. The closure, initially planned to facilitate kanwar pilgrims, particularly 'Dak Kanwariyas ', was lifted after authorities observed minimal pilgrim movement and emerging traffic bottlenecks. It was around 11.30am that the traffic cops blocked all entry and exit points of DME — Khoda, ABES College, Crossings Republik, Dasna, and Bhojpur, deploying two constables at each location. However, the expressway was reopened by 12.30pm after an assessment of the situation. "We observed very few kanwariyas on their vehicles in the DME section, while minor traffic congestion began developing at some entry and exit points. After analysing the situation, we decided to reopen the expressway," said Ziauddin Ahmad, ACP (traffic). You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida The temporary closure was part of the authorities' preparations for 'Dak Kanwar', where pilgrims run barefoot in relay teams supported by vehicles. "We wanted to ensure a safe passage for 'Dak Kanwariyas', who primarily use the DME while returning from Haridwar. Our priority was to prevent any law and order situation," Ahmad said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo The ACP, however, didn't rule out future closures. "We will continue monitoring the presence of pilgrims on the DME. The entry and exit points might be closed again by tonight or Tuesday, with only essential services like ambulances being permitted on the Ghaziabad stretch," he added. The closure, which followed several changes in plans and missed deadlines of July 17 and 19, comes amid expectations of increased pilgrim movement ahead of Shivratri on July 23. Currently, light vehicles from Meerut are being diverted to Ghaziabad via the Hapur route and NH-9, while heavy vehicles, restricted since July 11, are being redirected from Ghazipur to NH-9 up to Dasna and then to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway towards Meerut. The annual kanwar yatra sees pilgrims utilising three main routes through Ghaziabad to reach Haridwar for collecting Ganga water. While traditional pilgrims mainly use the Pipeline Road from Loni Border to Niwari, 'Dak Kanwariyas' prefer the DME. A significant number also travel via NH-34 through GT Road, with these routes collectively covering 150km within Ghaziabad.
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Time of India
Delhi-Meerut Expressway to closed on these days for Kanwar Yatra in July: Check full traffic advisory on closure, diversions
The Delhi-Meerut Expressway will be closed for the Kanwar Yatra. The closure will be from July 19 to July 23. Heavy vehicles will be restricted from July 11. Light vehicles will also face restrictions from July 19. Authorities have planned alternative routes for diverted traffic. Security will be enhanced with CCTV cameras. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Delhi-Meerut Expressway: Heavy vehicle restrictions from July 11 Alternate routes planned for diverted traffic Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Three major routes used by kanwariyas Local traffic plan for Ghaziabad and nearby areas Enhanced security arrangements for the yatra The Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME), a key route connecting Delhi, Noida, and Meerut, will be closed for five days from July 19 to facilitate the annual kanwar yatra . The restriction will affect regular traffic until July 23, Shivratri . The 56-kilometre stretch between the Kashi toll plaza in Meerut and UP Gate in Ghaziabad will be exclusively used by curbs will be implemented in two phases. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed on the route from July 11. Starting July 19, light vehicles and cars will also be restricted. The adjacent NH-9 will remain operational for regular vehicles. However, congestion is expected as more vehicles are diverted to this restrictions have been announced yet for the Delhi side of the expressway, but spillover congestion is anticipated in the capital due to the DME have prepared alternative routes to manage diverted traffic. ACP (traffic) Ziauddin Ahmad said, "Light vehicles from Meerut will need to take the Hapur route and then NH-9 to reach Ghaziabad and vice-versa. Heavy vehicles from Ghazipur will be redirected via NH-9 to Dasna and then Eastern Peripheral Expressway towards Meerut."In 2023, similar diversions caused long delays on NH-9, with many vehicles forced to use the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, DND Flyway, and Noida pilgrims take three key routes through Ghaziabad. Foot pilgrims mainly use Pipeline Road from Loni Border to Niwari. Dak kanwariyas prefer the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, while others use NH-34 via GT Road. The combined length of these routes in the city is around 150 diversions are also planned in surrounding regions. "Vehicles from Baghpat that are headed for Delhi will be routed via Tronica City and Sonia Vihar. Heavy vehicles will be restricted at the Loni border itself, and vehicles from Hapur-Bulandshahr towards Ghaziabad city will be diverted from Dasna Bridge," said ACP added that detailed route maps will be published across social media platforms to inform commuters about the diversion traffic management, security will be strengthened. Additional CP Alok Priyadarshi said, "More than 1,500 CCTV cameras will be installed across all three routes. We expect over 350 kanwar camps this year, up from 301 last year."The security setup will divide the region into 120 beat areas. Each will be staffed by five police personnel and supervised by an officer said that camp organisers have been asked to install at least four CCTV cameras at each camp. These will be monitored by a dedicated kanwar cell.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Time of India
500 challans in two days: Ghaziabad cops crack down on wrong-side driving
Ghaziabad: Traffic police have launched a district-wide campaign against wrong-side driving, issuing over 500 challans and seizing 30 vehicles in just two days. Officials said nearly 80% of the offenders were two-wheeler riders. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cops also plan to identify repeat offenders and file FIRs against them under the Motor Vehicles Act and BNS Section 281 (rash driving), which can lead to imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both. On Monday, a total of 232 challans, including 163 for two-wheelers under the campaign, were issued, and 26 vehicles were seized. A total of 297 challans were issued on the second day of the drive. Of these, 209 were issued to two-wheeler drivers. Traffic cops also seized four vehicles. The challan for wrong-side driving is between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000. ACP (traffic) Ziauddin Ahmad said statistics showed that more than 30% of all road accidents are caused by wrong-side driving. In March, a 25-year-old man died after his bike collided with a truck on NH-9 in Masuri. Police found the biker was approaching from the wrong side when it was hit. Last July, a mother-son duo had died when their scooty was struck by an Alto near Mehrauli underpass on DME. The car was travelling in the wrong direction and hit the scooty as the driver could not apply the brakes in time. Police arrested the driver and seized the car. According to the ACP, traffic police have been deployed at more than 70 spots across the district, including NH-9 in Vijay Nagar, Indirapuram, Khoda and Wave City among other places, to check violations. "During the campaign, and previous ones too, we observed two-wheeler riders were the main traffic violators, most just travel on the wrong side because it would save them a few minutes or simply because it is easier to ride a few metres on the footpath and take a quick shortcut instead of a longer U-turn. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They fail to realise that they maximise the risk for themselves and other commuters in the process. Of 529 challans issued by traffic police, 372 offenders were two-wheelers," he said. Last year, traffic police issued over 2.8 lakh wrong-side challans to offenders. Over 55,000 challans were issued for wrong-side drivers in the first two months of the year. Of the challans issued to people caught for wrong-side driving last year, 29,000 challans were issued on the DME and Eastern Peripheral Expressway. Cops also registered FIRs to deter offenders. In Feb, cops had filed an FIR against a man for allegedly driving on the wrong side of the DME— two-wheelers are banned on the expressway—in the Crossings Republik area. The driver was also fined Rs 7,000 for various offences, and his car was seized. Last Dec, an FIR was registered at Khoda police station against a truck driver for wrong-side driving too.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
In Ghaziabad, traffic cops go hi-tech with cooling helmets
Ghaziabad: As temperature soars above 40 degrees Celsius, and high humidity makes it 'feel-like' 48.5 degrees, at least 100 traffic police personnel were equipped with air-conditioned helmets to help them cope with the heat. The helmets, which can lower the temperature by 10-15 degrees Celsius, are equipped with built-in fan-like structures and designed to provide relief to officers working outdoors during the scorching summer months. ACP (traffic) Ziauddin Ahmad said said these distinctively designed AC helmets can effectively operate for up to 8 hours on a single full charge and help traffic police endure eight-hour shifts in areas with high levels of air pollution and traffic congestion during the summer. The concept of AC helmets is not entirely new, and have been rolled out in several cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kalaburagi and Vizag among others. Last year, trials were conducted in Lucknow to explore the feasibility of the technology in the local context. Beyond the headgear, transparent goggles were also provided to shield cops from dust and pollutants. Traffic cops, responsible for manning traffic across busy intersections of the city, often need to work for extended periods even during peak summer. Some personnel told TOI that traffic shelters are few and infrequent in most urban and rural sectors, expressways and highways, which makes working during hot weather or heavy rain difficult. Enduring over eight-hour shifts under such conditions, with pollution and noise, takes a toll on the body, particularly near busy intersections. The new gadgets, they said, were expected to provide better work environment and improve efficiency. For now, cops deployed at Vedanta, Model Town, Sector 62, Gaud Green, Media House, Bhojpur, Hapur Chungi, Ajnara Cut, Raj Nagar Extension, Lal Kuan and Mohan Nagar were given AC helmets. Cops were also given umbrellas and water bottles.
