Another layer of checks at Gurugram border

GURUGRAM: Tightening border curbs for those entering the city from Delhi, police added another layer of barricade at the Sirhaul border point on Saturday.
Just two lanes are open now - one for commercial vehicles and another for cars and two-wheelers. Loaded trucks are not being stopped, nor are empty commercial vehicles - just having movement passes will do. But the double layer checking, allowing only one vehicle to pass at a time after extensive scrutiny, is causing jams .
On Saturday, even when traffic was down by about 30-40% since Friday, the point was significantly choked, a police officer said. Besides cops, Rapid Action Force has been deployed at the border to help check the passage of vehicles .
Cops do expect a significant reduction in traffic volume from Monday, now that the automatic e-pass system has been suspended. Earlier, anyone applying for an e-pass could get one. "But now, only those in essential services and those exempted by the Delhi high court are allowed to cross the border," said commissioner of police Mohammad Akil. So, fewer people are likely to get passes now and it will take some time to process as well. "The border checking norms have to be strict because Gurugram has had such a big spike in cases," he added.
For commuters, however, the changing rules have been plain confusing. "It is difficult to keep up now. Every day, there is a new order," said Sumit Sharma, on his way to the airport.