Farmers' protest: Traffic flow smooth, but anxiety persists at fortified Delhi borders

After two days of jams, traffic flow was largely smooth through Delhi's main borders with Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurgaon as restrictions were eased by police and more lanes were opened.

Smooth Traffic Flow After Restrictions Eased

On Monday and Tuesday, stringent curbs were imposed, even though the protesting group of farmers was nowhere near Delhi. These restrictions annoyed commuters as long delays on roads disrupted schedules. However, on Wednesday, traffic flow improved significantly as more lanes were opened and police eased restrictions at various border points.


Impact on Commuters

While NH-9 at UP Gate remained closed for traffic for the third day, commuters were forced to take detours via Khora Colony, Mayur Vihar Phase 3, Kaushambi, and Vaishali to reach the capital. However, traffic checks at the border's flyover, through which traffic is currently allowed, led to a jam in the morning rush hour, though not as severe as the previous two days.

Commuter Experiences

Sanchit Sharma, a resident of Ghaziabad's Vijay Nagar, said he was stuck near the UP Gate flyover for nearly 15 minutes as cops continued to check vehicles and allowed only two cars to pass at a time. Lawyer Ashish Kumar, a resident of Supertech Icon in Indirapuram, said the barricades at the border brought back memories of the yearlong farm stir three years ago.

Traffic Advisory and Future Concerns

In Faridabad, police issued a traffic advisory urging vehicles moving towards Delhi to take a left turn from NH-19 to reach the Prahladpur border via Ankheer Chowk and Surajkund Road. Commuters like Rashi Sharma, an MNC executive in Cyber City, are worried about how things might pan out in the coming days as more people return to office work.

Farmer's Perspective

Rupesh Verma, GB Nagar district president of All India Kisan Sabha, told TOI that the farmers will wait till Feb 18 for the formation of a high-level committee to study farmers' issues and take necessary measures thereafter. He also mentioned networking in villages to mobilize people for a Feb 16 protest in Greater Noida.

(With inputs from TOI)