In a bid to tackle frequent traffic congestion, Noida Police have designated the Noida Expressway as a 'Breakdown Fine' zone. Vehicles breaking down and causing obstructions will now face strict penalties under Section 201 of the Motor Vehicles Act. Fines range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000, and in severe cases, the vehicle may even be seized.

With nearly 5 lakh daily commuters using the Noida Expressway to connect Noida-Greater Noida, Delhi, and the Yamuna Expressway, authorities see the new rule as essential. DCP (Traffic) Lakhan Singh Yadav stated that breakdowns, particularly during peak hours, are a major reason for bottlenecks.

For now, the rule focuses on commercial vehicles, and private car owners need not worry unless they lack necessary documents like a fitness certificate, registration, or Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Within the first 10 days of implementation in February, around 50 vehicles were fined or towed.

However, the rule has sparked debates. While authorities stress the need for vehicle maintenance and adherence to emission standards, some drivers argue breakdowns are often unavoidable and not intentional. They question the fairness of penalizing them for unforeseen issues.

The police clarified that while a breakdown itself is not a violation, additional fines will apply if the vehicle lacks proper documentation or is overloaded. The initiative also aligns with National Green Tribunal standards to ensure road safety and reduce pollution.

This crackdown highlights the increasing emphasis on maintaining smoother traffic flow and stricter adherence to road safety regulations on busy expressways.