Noida: Greater Noida Authority has opened a U-turn near Pari Chowk metro station, about 300 metres ahead of Pari Chowk roundabout, for light vehicles on a trial run to assess if it could ease traffic pressure at the busy intersection.It is also expected to facilitate traffic movement during Uttar Pradesh International Trade Show (UPITS), scheduled to be held from Sept 25 to 29 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida. The trade show brings together MSMEs, exporters, manufacturers, artisans and govt agencies and provides a platform for businesses to showcase their products and connect with buyers from across India and abroad.Developed at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, the U-turn is the first such facility on Noida Expressway.Greater Noida Authority senior manager Rajesh Kumar Nim said Pari Chowk sees heavy traffic pressure as traffic from Noida Expressway, Surajpur and Kasna converges at the T-point, with the volume increasing significantly during the rush hours. “We have opened the U-turn on a trial basis. We are continuously monitoring the traffic situation at this spot. If it helps ease traffic at Pari Chowk, it will be made permanent,” he said.Authority has installed barriers along the central verge to open the U-turn to allow commuters travelling from Delhi and Noida towards Greater Noida to turn back before reaching Pari Chowk roundabout. Commuters from Expo Mart, Jaypee Greens and Knowledge Park 2 can also take the U-turn to head towards Yamuna Expressway, Ansal Golf Link, Mitra Enclave and other residential societies.Ravi Kumar, who headed to Agra, said he could avoid getting stuck in a jam at Pari Chowk roundabout and took a U-turn to take Yamuna Expressway. “I saved nearly 10-15 minutes,” he said.
