Noida Diwali Rush Chokes Sector 18 and Atta Markets

On October 14, 2025, Noida's Sector 18 and Atta markets experienced a heavy Diwali shopping rush, leading to severe traffic congestion in the area. Hundreds of people flocked to these commercial hubs, causing long snarls between the two markets.

To manage the flow of traffic, the police placed barricades on both sides, allowing only one vehicle at a time to pass. They also blocked the U-turn between the two markets to restrict entry and exit. However, the internal roads in Sector 18 remained congested, with the movement of e-rickshaws and autos being restricted on this stretch.

The sheer volume of cars and two-wheelers added to the pressure, and traffic personnel had to frequently stop vehicles to allow metro commuters to cross the road between the two markets. Some vendors selling festive items had also encroached upon the roadside, further squeezing the space for traffic.

A local shopper, Priyanka Sharma, pointed out that some people had parked their cars haphazardly, worsening the situation. She suggested that the area should be cleared of encroachments and have strict no-parking enforcement during the festive season to improve the traffic flow.

The deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Pravin Ranjan Singh, stated that they had deployed teams to facilitate the traffic flow and would consider declaring the area a no-entry zone for cars if the congestion intensified. The president of the Sector 18 market association, SK Jain, acknowledged the high footfall during the festive season and urged cooperation from traders to maintain order.

Despite the traffic challenges, the markets were expected to generate nearly Rs 1,750 crore in business over the five-day period from Dhanteras to Diwali and Bhai Dooj.