Daily traffic snarls on NH-9, the key link between Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida and Hapur, continue to test the patience of lakhs of commuters, despite a 10-point decongestion plan drawn up by the National
Highways Authority of India (NHAI) nearly 18 months ago.
The plan followed a detailed drone survey meant to identify the worst bottlenecks along the stretch that connects to the Delhi-Meerut Expressway (DME). But on the ground, commuters say little has changed, with kilometre-long queues remaining a routine sight during morning and evening peak hours.
10 hotspots flagged
According to officials, the survey had red-flagged 10 critical congestion points: Sun View Vihar, Anand Vihar, MCD toll plaza, Ghaziabad toll plaza, Hindon elevated road, Noida Sector 62, Siddharth Vihar, Chhijarsi, Vijaynagar and Chhapraula.
Recommendations included stricter lane discipline, closing unsafe cuts, removing illegal parking, and improving service roads at these locations. However, implementation has been slow or patchy at several points.
Why the plan stalled
Officials and traffic police admit that progress has been hampered by delays in land acquisition, inadequate coordination between agencies, and lack of strict enforcement against encroachment and unauthorised parking. Meanwhile, vehicle numbers on the corridor have continued to surge.
Pressure points remain unchanged
Heavy traffic from Sarai Kale Khan and Anand Vihar towards Delhi causes regular pile-ups before the Akshardham flyover, while vehicles bound for Noida and DME merge at key intersections, creating choke points. Slow movement at toll plazas and congestion spilling over from the Hindon elevated road add to the chaos. Illegal roadside parking by autos, e-rickshaws and vendors on service lanes further narrows carriageways.
‘Work underway in phases’: NHAI
An NHAI official said the survey report had been sent to the headquarters and a phased action plan prepared. “Some locations have been addressed. Remaining points will be taken up progressively,” the official said.
Commuters wait for relief
Until the proposed measures are fully implemented across all ten hotspots, experts say lasting relief is unlikely. For now, commuters continue to lose precious time, and fuel, to the daily gridlock on NH-9.
