In a significant move to reduce noise pollution, the entire 20km stretch of the Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, from the Sirhaul border to the Kherki Daula toll plaza, will be designated as a “no-honking” zone. The decision was announced by Deputy Commissioner Nishant Yadav after a meeting of the district’s road safety committee.
The new regulation aims to encourage commuters to adopt lane-driving practices on the busy expressway and refrain from using vehicular horns needlessly. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been tasked with installing approximately 200 signboards along the expressway to inform motorists about the new no-honking rule.
The Delhi-Gurgaon expressway, also known as NH-8, serves as a crucial link between Delhi and Gurgaon, witnessing heavy traffic flow as thousands of office-goers use it for daily inter-city travel.
Additionally, ten hospitals in the city, including the Civil Hospital in Sector 10 and private hospitals like Medanta, Fortis, Max, Artemis, and Paras, will also be designated as no-honking zones. This move aligns with practices in many cities around the world, aiming to create a peaceful environment around medical facilities. The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) will be responsible for installing 10 signboards around each hospital to inform people about the new regulation.
For the initial phase, honking restrictions will be advisory until awareness about the rule spreads through signboards. However, traffic police will eventually enforce fines for non-compliance.
According to the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, noise levels in commercial areas should not exceed 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night. Near sensitive areas like hospitals, noise levels should not exceed 45 decibels.
The district road safety committee, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, holds monthly meetings and includes representatives from various agencies such as traffic police, RTO, NHAI, GMDA, MCG, PWD, and the sub-divisional magistrate.
In another development, Deputy Commissioner Yadav instructed Gurgaon police to take action against five dhabas and two fuel stations near the Rampura flyover for allegedly obstructing the surface drain along NH-8. The deputy commissioner emphasized the need to preserve proper drainage and warned of potential FIRs against those involved.
Additionally, a committee comprising officials from the regional transport office (RTO) and traffic police will inspect the roads near the Millennium City Centre Gurugram metro station. The aim is to address traffic congestion caused by haphazard parking by cabs, autorickshaws, and e-rickshaws picking up commuters in the area. The committee will present possible solutions to ease traffic flow and improve road safety.
