TheNoidaExpressway has been declared a "breakdown challan" zone, meaning vehicles that break down on this busy stretch will face towing and heavy fines. This rule has been introduced because frequent vehicle breakdowns cause major traffic jams on the busy road, which is used by 5 lakh commuters daily, especially during peak hours.

To tackle this issue, the police have introduced penalties for vehicles that obstruct traffic due to breakdowns, particularly those without valid fitness certificates or permits, as reported by TOI. Violators can face fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 under Section 201 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which penalizes blocking traffic flow.

DCP (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav stated that the move aims to reduce congestion, as heavy traffic during rush hours often slows down movement on the expressway.

Currently, the penalties will focus on commercial vehicles, while private car owners are exempt for now. In the first 10 days of this month, around 50 commercial vehicles were fined or impounded for breaking down and causing traffic disruptions.

Moreover, vehicles failing to meet fitness, registration, or PUC (Pollution Under Control) certificate requirements will also be penalized. The police department has clarified that while vehicle breakdowns aren’t punishable, any obstruction they cause will lead to fines.

Vehicles must comply with emission norms and regular servicing requirements. For instance, petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years are banned from the expressway. If a towed vehicle is missing essential documents like the fitness certificate, registration, or PUC certificate, the owner will be fined.

Traffic on the Noida Expressway is closely monitored with CCTV cameras and patrols covering the 25-km stretch. During rush hours, officers are stationed at 30 key points to manage traffic. In case of a breakdown, police are alerted within minutes, and towing services are sent immediately to remove the vehicle.

Even with measures like traffic diversions and road widening near the DND Flyway, congestion remains a major issue. A traffic official pointed out that VIP movements requiring special arrangements exacerbate traffic jams, especially when vehicle breakdowns occur simultaneously.

Meanwhile, commercial vehicle operators have raised concerns over the hefty fines, calling them unfair. Bus operator Brajesh Mudgal recounted how his bus was impounded after a tyre burst near Mahamaya Flyover, despite having all valid permits. He expressed frustration, arguing that unforeseen breakdowns shouldn’t lead to such harsh penalties.

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