Noida
Despite a recent serious incident in Sector 150, concerns over road safety continue to mount in Noida, with residents alleging persistent inaction by civic authorities. The latest flashpoint is the service lane in Sector 76, where a stretch of road running alongside an open drain has been left completely exposed, creating what locals describe as a “waiting disaster” for motorists and pedestrians alike.
According to residents, a significant portion of the service lane in Sector 76 remains open along the drain, without barricading, warning signage, or reflectors. The condition of the road has triggered widespread concern, as the stretch is used daily by a large number of vehicles and pedestrians. Locals warn that the exposed edge poses a serious risk of vehicles slipping into the drain, especially during the night or in low-visibility conditions.
Repeated Warnings Ignored
Residents claim that despite repeated complaints and warnings, no concrete steps have been taken by the authorities. They argue that the administration appeared to promise corrective action following the Sector 150 incident, but the situation in Sector 76 suggests that those assurances have not translated into action on the ground.
A video of the hazardous stretch, reportedly recorded about an hour before it was circulated, clearly shows the open road running dangerously close to the drain. Locals say that even after the video surfaced, no officials were seen at the site and no temporary safety arrangements were put in place.
“The road is completely open, and anyone can slip into the drain. It feels like the authorities are waiting for another tragedy before they respond,” said a resident who uses the service lane daily.
Sector 150 Incident Raised Expectations
The incident in Sector 150 had raised expectations that authorities would become more vigilant and proactively address similar hazards across the city. However, residents argue that the continued neglect in Sector 76 points to systemic lapses in monitoring and maintenance.
Locals allege that Noida Authority has failed to conduct regular inspections or take preventive measures, even at locations that are clearly accident-prone. According to them, civic response often comes only after loss of life or serious damage, rather than through timely prevention.
Appeals to Higher Authorities
In an effort to draw urgent attention to the issue, residents and social activists say they have attempted to bring the matter to the notice of higher authorities, including the Chief Minister’s Office, Uttar Pradesh, the NDRF, and the District Magistrate Gautam Buddh Nagar.
They argue that the situation in Sector 76 is not an isolated local issue but a matter of public safety that demands immediate intervention. “This is not about one sector or one road. It reflects how basic safety is being compromised across the city,” said a local activist.
Heavy Daily Traffic on the Service Lane
Residents point out that the Sector 76 service lane is a vital connector and sees heavy daily traffic. School buses, two-wheelers, autos, and private cars routinely pass through the stretch. Pedestrians also rely on the same road for daily movement.
The danger increases manifold during the monsoon season, when waterlogging reduces visibility and makes it difficult to distinguish between the road surface and the drain. Locals fear that under such conditions, even a minor lapse could lead to a fatal accident.
Complaints Yield Only Assurances
Several residents claim they have lodged multiple complaints—both oral and written—over the past weeks. However, they say the response has been limited to verbal assurances, with no visible improvement at the site. Neither permanent repairs nor temporary measures such as barricades or warning boards have been installed.
“This kind of negligence is unacceptable. Authorities cannot keep ignoring such obvious dangers,” said a resident, adding that the lack of accountability could lead to irreversible consequences.
‘Ram Bharose’ Approach Alleged
Social organisations have criticised what they describe as a “Ram bharose” approach to public safety, alleging that civic agencies act only after a tragedy occurs. According to them, the exposed service lane in Sector 76 is a clear example of how preventable hazards are being overlooked.
Residents have demanded immediate repairs to the road, installation of strong barricading along the drain, and placement of reflectors and warning signage to alert road users. They insist that these basic measures could significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Questions Over Accountability
The situation has once again raised questions about road safety, infrastructure monitoring, and administrative accountability in Noida. Locals warn that if timely action is not taken, any future accident at the site would squarely lie at the doorstep of the authorities responsible for maintenance and public safety.
As concerns grow louder, residents await a decisive response, hoping that preventive action will finally replace reactive measures. The coming days will determine whether the warnings are heeded—or whether action follows only after another unfortunate incident.
