Noida: Parking chaos, traffic jams and encroachments near metro stations due to no regular auto stands in the city — all these may soon be a thing of the past. The transport department is set to identify and develop nearly 100 auto-rickshaw stands across Noida and Greater Noida in a bid to decongest roads and streamline last-mile connectivity outside metro stations. Thousands of autos operate without fixed stands, leading to haphazard parking outside metro stations such as Botanical Garden, Golf Course, City Centre and Sector 52. Though Noida has a few auto stands, most of them are outdated and lack proper signage. The absence of designated auto stands outside metro stations leads to encroachment and traffic jams too.Hence the move — setting up 100 auto-rickshaw stands — that comes after a recent meeting of the auto union with the DCP (Traffic) and transport officials, where the urgent need for systematic stands and proper regulation was highlighted by the union. Assistant regional transport officer (administration) Siyaram Verma said a joint meeting with stakeholders, including traffic police and Noida Authority, is scheduled for July 26. “The idea is to designate clear pick-up and drop-off points on various routes to ease congestion and make it easier for commuters to find autos,” Verma said, adding, “Once locations are finalised, signage and infrastructure will follow.”Noida currently has nearly 18,000 registered auto-rickshaws. Most of them cater to last-mile connectivity from metro stations and bus stops to residential and commercial sectors. With the city expanding and daily ridership growing, officials believe that regulating these autos through dedicated stands is essential.Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Sector 51, said that the situation is very bad between Sector 51 to Sector 52 stations. “The autos are parked randomly near metro station gates, blocking commuters entry/exit points. They wait right outside metro station gates to pick up passengers, leading to congestion and inconvenience for commuters. Also, multiple autos lining up on the roads shrink usable carriageway space, disrupting vehicular movement,” he said. Kumar also said a number of commuters need to walk between the two stations for interchange and they face problems due to crowded autos on the way. “The Noida Authority should expedite the skywalk project connecting the two stations to ease the situation,” he said. There is similar encroachment outside Botanical Garden metro station in Noida. The traffic police conduct drives frequently but the auto drivers again occupy the same place.President of Noida CNG Auto Drivers’ Union Omprakash Gurjar said the union conducted a study for auto stands. “The auto stands are important for commuters and drivers. People will find autos at designated places while the drivers will not be challaned for unauthorised parking,” Gurjar said.
