Noida: Wrong-way three-wheelers use Botanical Garden approach

Autos and e-rickshaws travelling from GIP Mall and Sector 18 Metro station towards Botanical Garden Metro station are using the wrong side of a one-kilometre stretch to avoid a longer detour.

Noida Authority closed the Sector 18 Metro–Atta Peer stretch to three-wheelers last year to reduce congestion in the market area. Drivers heading towards Botanical Garden must instead travel via Film City, DLF Mall, Atta Market in Sector 27 and beneath the Noida Elevated Road, a route of roughly 10km.

Gaurav Kumar, who travels from Botanical Garden towards Rajnigandha Chowk, said wrong-way vehicles cut across regular traffic. “Lack of police personnel at the spot makes matters worse,” he said.

E-rickshaw driver Raju said passengers travelling between GIP Mall and Botanical Garden during busy periods often ask for the shortest route. Auto driver Santosh Kumar said the detour adds 15 to 20 minutes but does not result in a higher fare.

DCP (traffic) Pravin Ranjan Singh said he had directed a team to inspect the stretch and carry out an enforcement drive. Noida Authority senior manager Kapil Singh said the agency would discuss a permanent arrangement, including a U-turn near Sector 18, with traffic police.