Farmers' rally on DND flyway brings traffic to a standstill
A large number of commuters going towards UP and Delhi had harrowing time
New Delhi: The Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) flyway connecting Delhi to Noida was shut for more than five hours on Friday evening as a huge mass of farmers marched on the road in a rally. The mayhem on the border led to the traffic chaos in both the cities with commuters especially office-goers sharing their agony while using the carriageway. In the morning, Joint Commissioner of Police (Delhi Traffic) Alok Kumar said," Due to the proposed rally by farmers, traffic coming from Noida via DND flyway is likely to be affected after 2 pm today (Friday). Pl follow traffic alerts on Delhi traffic social media platforms."
The Delhi Traffic Police cautioned commuters asking them to take alternate routes between Delhi and Noida suggesting usage of NH-9 instead of the DND to those moving to Ghazipur via Mayur Vihar.
In between 5 to 6 pm, DTP traffic tweeted "Due to the rally/protest by farmers, the DND road between Noida and Delhi has been shut." Earlier in the day, it issued an advisory stating traffic movement on NH-24, Kalindi Kunj, Sarita Vihar, Mathura Road, and from DND to Ashram was likely to be impacted due to the rally.
The Noida Traffic Police said diversions could be made on the route as per requirements. "Farmers leader Manweer Tewatia and other farmers will protest on the street connecting DND flyway toll around 10 am. People are advised to use alternate roads via Mayur Vihar and Kalindi Kunj for movement between Noida and Delhi to avoid inconvenience," reads Noida Police advisory.
A large number of commuters going towards Uttar Pradesh and Delhi had a harrowing time as the protestors blocked the entry of vehicles. The hapless commuters could be seen facing harassment with the blockade of roads. Through social media, commuters share their agony.
"Once Again huge traffic at Kalindi Kunj and no planning done yet to improvise. Thousands of liters of fuel getting burned in that traffic and all becoz of MCD Toll Tax, they've hijacked almost 60% of exit from Noida-Delhi side," a commuter tweeted.
Another commuter tweeted,"Kalindi Kunj new flyover is new hell. Traffic jam". Answering their grievances DTP traffic tweeted " Sir, as per information from area traffic officer, traffic is heavy due to demonstration by farmers at Delhi-UP Border."
Later Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Kumar told Millennium Post that they have resumed the vehicles movements on DND flyover. A senior police officer stated that once the farmers reached DND flyway, they closed the road with the help of their vehicles and brought traffic to standstill. "We told them to go to Ramlila Ground but without tractor and trolley," added the officer.