Massive Traffic Snarl as Farmers’ Protest Chokes Delhi-Noida Borders

December 2, 2024: Traffic in Delhi and Noida faced severe disruptions on Monday due to the “Delhi Chalo” march organised by the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and other farmer groups. Farmers from at least 20 districts gathered to press their five key demands in a march towards the Parliament complex, that began at 12 PM.

Traffic Chaos and Diversions

Visuals from the affected areas showed vehicles crawling at a snail’s pace or entirely halted, particularly at the Chilla and DND borders. Video footage revealed a long line of stationary vehicles occupying all lanes on major routes. To mitigate congestion, Noida Police issued a traffic advisory on Sunday, recommending alternative routes for commuters:

Chilla Border to Greater Noida: Sector 14-A flyover via Golchakkar Chowk and Sandeep Paper Mill Chowk.
DND Border to Delhi: Film City flyover, Sector-18 Elevated Road.
Kalindi Border to Delhi: Mahamaya Flyover via Sector-37.
Greater Noida to Delhi: Charkha Roundabout via Kalindi Kunj or Hajipur underpass.
Yamuna Expressway Traffic: Exit at Jewar toll, proceed via Khurja and Jahangirpur.
Peripheral Expressway Traffic: Use Dadri or Dasna exits instead of Sirsa.

The Delhi Traffic Police ramped up security measures, including thorough vehicle inspections at checkpoints across the capital.

Farmers’ Key Demands

The protesting farmers, under the banners of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), have been pushing the central government to address their five major demands:

Allocation of 10% plots and a 64.7% increase in compensation under the old land acquisition law.
Compensation at four times the market rate and 20% plots for land acquired post-January 1, 2014.
Employment and rehabilitation benefits for children of landless farmers.
Implementation of government orders issued by the High-Power Committee.
Proper resettlement of populated areas affected by land acquisition.

The farmers have been staging protests at Punjab-Haryana border points like Shambhu and Khanauri since February.

Leaders’ Statements

BKP leader Sukhbir Khalifa declared their determination to press on with the march, stating, “We are ready for our march towards Delhi. Starting from under the Maha Maya flyover in Noida, we will reach the Parliament complex by noon to demand compensation and benefits under the new laws.”