Noida, Nov. 7 -- A massive influx of shoppers on the occasion of Dhanteras on Friday and ahead of Diwali meant that the area in and around Noida's bustling Sector 18 market saw serpentine jams nearly throughout the day.

Despite deployment of traffic personnel, unauthorised parking reduced a three-lane stretch to just one lane, resulting in long queues of vehicles and severe traffic congestion.

On Friday evening, substantial traffic volumes were reported on the stretch from Film City Flyover to Sector 18, roads adjoining DLF Mall, and the internal roads of the market. Besides, the road near Atta Market was also choked, with congestion extending to Sector 16 and other connecting roads.

When HT visited the spot, unauthorised parking in th...