Traffic chaos: Delhi-Noida border choked in massive jam

From Chilla Border towards Mahamaya Flyover, and from Mahamaya Flyover towards DND Toll/Chilla Border (towards Delhi), as well as on National Highway-9 to the DND Flyover and the Noida–Greater Noida Elevated Road, commuters faced a harrowing morning on Monday, as a massive traffic jam brought vehicular movement to a near standstill at the Delhi–Noida border.

The protests led to congestion on key arterial roads connecting Delhi and Noida, including National Highway 9, leaving commuters stranded during the peak rush hour. Queues of vehicles stretched for several kilometres. Security was tightened along Delhi’s key entry points.

The protests, which have been taking place in the area for the past four to five days, have stemmed from workers’ demand for a hike in their wages, in accordance with the labour laws. Meanwhile, commuters reported massive traffic jams near the Crown Plaza flyover in Mayur Vihar, adding to the chaos in the National Capital Region.

According to officials, a large number of workers from various industrial units gathered in the morning to press their long-pending demand for salary revision and raised slogans during the demonstration.

The protests soon spiralled into violence, with some protesters vandalising property, pelting stones and setting vehicles on fire.

A Delhi Police officer said members of the labour union from Uttar Pradesh gathered near the border area to stage a demonstration. They blocked portions of the road, halting traffic movement.

“Delhi Police and Noida Police personnel were deployed to manage the situation and divert traffic, but the heavy volume of vehicles compounded the chaos,” the officer said.

Frustrated commuters took to X to share their ordeals and urge authorities to intervene.

An X user, who works with a private company, said she left her home around 7.30 am and had been stuck in traffic for over an hour without any significant movement. “There is no movement at all. People are getting down from vehicles and trying to figure out what’s happening ahead,” she said.

Another person said, “Due to heavy traffic jam in Delhi caused by a protest/dharna, passengers who need to reach different railway stations in Delhi facing difficulty reaching the stations. Kindly consider delaying the train by 15 minutes.”

“My vehicle (has) not moved even (a) single inch from last 1 hour. Neither the Delhi Traffic Police not the UP-Traffic Police made any diversions to ease the congestion,” said another distressed commuter on X.

Delhi Traffic Police also took to X to inform commuters about the blockade. “Traffic at Noida is severely affected due to ongoing agitation by the workers from private factories. They have completely blocked the Noida Link Road coming from Chilla Border (Delhi). Traffic movement towards Noida from the Chilla Border is severely affected,” it said in a statement.

People are hereby advised to plan their journey accordingly and use DND for travelling to Noida. Those intending to go to Noida may use DND from Sarai Kale Khan or alternatively use NH 24 —Kondli Bridge and enter Noida through Noida Mod, it added.

Authorities said efforts were underway to clear the congestion and restore smooth traffic flow as soon as possible. Delhi Police officials said the force is on high alert.

According to police, several teams have been deployed at all motorable roads connecting Noida to different parts of Delhi, particularly at major border points with Uttar Pradesh, to prevent any spillover of the unrest.

Senior officers said that strict vigil is being maintained and thorough checking of vehicles is being carried out to ensure that no anti-social elements enter the city under the guise of the protest.

“Delhi Police is fully alert and vigilant. Adequate force has been deployed at all strategic locations. No one will be allowed to breach law and order,” a senior police officer said.

Barricading has been intensified at key border points and additional personnel, including rapid response teams and paramilitary forces, have been stationed to respond swiftly to any untoward incident.

Police officers said they are monitoring the situation and are in touch with their Uttar Pradesh counterparts.

In addition, security has also been intensified along the Haryana border to prevent any possible movement of protesters into Delhi from that side, with enhanced checking and deployment at key entry points. “We have deployed pickets, barricades and our traffic police are making proper diversions for those who are entering Delhi for work purposes. Teams are keeping a strict vigil,” another police officer said.

Over the past few days, the factory workers have been protesting in demand of a wage hike and better working conditions.

The protests began after the Haryana Government announced a 35 per cent hike in the minimum wage for unskilled workers, raising it from Rs 11,274 per month to Rs 15,220. The minimum wage of semi-skilled workers in Haryana has been hiked from Rs 12,430.18 to Rs 16,780.74 per month. The minimum pay for skilled and highly skilled workers have also been hiked by 35 per cent.