Traffic hit as stones found scattered on Eastern Peripheral Expressway, case registered

Traffic Disruption on Eastern Peripheral Expressway as Stones Found, Case Registered

Traffic hit as stones found scattered – Focus Keyword: Traffic hit as stones found The Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) in Greater Noida faced significant traffic disruption after a large number of stones were found scattered across its lanes, prompting authorities to register a case against unidentified individuals. The incident, which occurred early Thursday morning, disrupted the flow of vehicles and raised concerns about road safety. Dadri police station has initiated an investigation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to identify the culprits behind the obstruction, which has drawn attention to the need for improved monitoring of the expressway.

Incident Overview: Stones Spread to Cause Traffic Chaos

The stones were reported to be spread across the EPE, a critical artery for regional transportation connecting key areas of Noida to nearby districts. The disruption led to a backlog of vehicles and delayed commuters by several hours. A video shared online showed a truck operator allegedly using a hydraulic device to scatter stones on the opposite lane of the expressway, bypassing traffic checks. However, the authenticity of the footage is still under scrutiny, with police yet to confirm its claims.

“Around 7:30 am, we received reports of stones being scattered on the EPE under Dadri’s jurisdiction. Officers rushed to the site and cleared the obstruction within two hours,” stated Pranshali Gangwar, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) for Greater Noida. The ACP emphasized that the incident was a targeted effort to cause chaos, with the stones likely placed to block movement in one direction.

The clearing process involved manual removal of stones by staff followed by the deployment of a JCB machine to expedite the task. Despite the quick resolution, the event highlighted vulnerabilities in the expressway’s maintenance and security protocols.

Investigation into the Stone-Spreading Activity

Authorities have begun examining CCTV footage to trace the origin of the stones. A suspect identified as a truck driver is under investigation for allegedly driving on the opposite lane to evade RTO inspections. However, officials from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) confirmed that no such checks were conducted on the EPE during the incident’s time frame, casting doubt on the driver’s involvement.

“We are analyzing the CCTV footage to confirm the sequence of events and determine who was responsible for the stone-spreading,” said an anonymous official. The police are also checking with nearby checkpoints and traffic surveillance systems to gather more evidence.

The case registered under BNS Section 188, which deals with obstructing public places, underscores the legal consequences for such deliberate acts. This incident is being treated as a potential case of sabotage, with investigators seeking to identify patterns or prior incidents that may have contributed to the current disruption.

Aftermath and Implications for Road Safety

Following the incident, Greater Noida authorities have announced plans to enhance surveillance along the EPE. The expressway, which carries a substantial volume of daily traffic, is a lifeline for commercial and private vehicles. The disruption caused delays for thousands of commuters, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent similar incidents. Officials have also urged the public to report any suspicious activity near the expressway to aid in early detection.

“The incident serves as a reminder of how easily a small act can cause widespread inconvenience. We are reviewing our protocols to prevent future disruptions,” said Dr. Udit Narayan Pandey, ARTO (Enforcement) Gautam Budh Nagar. His comments highlight the growing focus on ensuring the expressway remains a safe and efficient route for all users.

The EPE’s management has acknowledged the incident and is working closely with law enforcement to address the issue. This includes revisiting the scheduling of traffic checks and deploying additional personnel to monitor high-risk zones. The case also brings attention to the role of truck operators in maintaining road integrity, as their actions can have far-reaching effects.

The ongoing investigation into the stone-spreading activity is expected to shed light on the motives behind the incident. As the police continue their inquiry, the focus keyword “traffic hit as stones found” will likely remain central to the narrative, underscoring the event’s significance in the region’s transportation landscape. This disruption has sparked discussions about the need for stricter enforcement and public awareness campaigns to prevent future obstructions on vital infrastructure routes.