National News : Thousands of workers and employed persons returning home after receiving salary before the festive season faced severe travel difficulties. Due to heavy rush of passengers going from Noida to Greater Noida, the entire traffic system was disrupted. Jams and chaos prevailed overnight at Dadri, Pari Chowk, zero point of Yamuna Expressway and major bus stops in Noida. Amid acute shortage of government buses, private bus and vehicle operators capitalized on the distress of passengers and made money by charging exorbitant fares.

A crowd of passengers started gathering at the bus stop

Lakhs of laborers and employees working in the industrial areas of Noida and Greater Noida were in a hurry to return to their villages to celebrate the festivities as soon as they got their salaries. By Saturday evening, crowds of commuters started gathering on major roads and bus stops. As soon as the buses arrived, passengers were seen trying to board them. The situation was so overcrowded that the buses were so crowded inside and at the gates that people could not even find room to stand.

Vehicles were running from Dadri to Pari Chowk and Zero Point

In Greater Noida, traffic suddenly surged at the zero points of Dadri, Pari Chowk and Yamuna Expressway, leading to several kilometer-long traffic jams. People who were supposed to reach their homes within a few hours were stuck in long waits and traffic jams. Passengers going to distant districts were forced to spend the whole night on the roads.

Private drivers profit due to shortage of government buses

Limited number of UP Roadways (Government) buses to cater to the growing number of passengers has exacerbated the problem. Private bus and auto/taxi drivers have made huge profits and charged exorbitant fees by taking advantage of the helplessness of passengers who are tired of waiting for buses. Every year, during the festive season, a large number of workers from Noida and Greater Noida return to their home districts. However, the commuters expressed their anger over the roadways and traffic police not providing adequate buses and smooth traffic management.