Anti-encroachment drive held to ease traffic woes on Vikas Marg

Commuters going towards east Delhi will finally have some relief from the jam-packed traffic. In an effort to decongest Vikas Marg and to make it more commuter-friendly, the East Delhi Municipal Corporation (EDMC) and the Delhi Traffic have seized several vehicles encroaching the road.

The anti-encroachment drive, focused on goods kept on roads and pavements by local shopkeepers and vehicles parked in an irregular manner, was conducted late on Sunday evening.

"In its budget, the civic body has proposed to develop the Vikas Marg, connecting east Delhi with ITO, as a model area by removing encroachments. The EDMC, with cooperation of the market associations and Resident Welfare Associations, is trying to improve the area,"said a senior corporation official.

As many as 66 vehicles, including 19 two-wheelers and 47 four wheelers, parked illegally on the Vikas Marg, were confiscated. Adding to the effort, the Municipal Magistrate issued 85 challans.

"I am used to daily traffic chaos in the area. Many people park their vehicles on the road itself as if they own it. I hope that now it will be easier for me to reach my office on time," said Tabish Sheikh, who commutes daily from Mandi House to Anand Vihar .

Now, dustbins will be installed in the area to keep it clean and the corporation is mulling over starting a parking facility as well.