Cops roll out traffic warden system in city | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar police have initiated a new programme called “traffic warden”, where ex-servicemen have been appointed to regulate traffic flow at various intersections across the city. These ex-servicemen, who are well-trained in discipline and management, are assisting the regular traffic police in maintaining smooth vehicular movement. The traffic wardens have been positioned at key junctions during peak hours to help reduce congestion and ensure proper implementation of traffic rules.
“The initiative aims to leverage the expertise and experience of former military personnel while creating employment opportunities for them. Each traffic warden has undergone specialised training in traffic management and road safety protocols before starting their duties,” a senior police officer said. Initially, about 100 traffic wardens have been deployed across major thoroughfares and busy intersections in Bhubaneswar. They work in coordination with the existing traffic police force to enhance road safety measures and improve compliance with traffic regulations.
The wardens have been equipped with necessary safety gear and communication devices to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Their primary duties include directing traffic flow, assisting pedestrians in crossing roads safely, and reporting traffic violations to the authorities. “This programme is part of our broader strategy to address growing traffic challenges and create a safer road environment. We believe that the disciplined approach of ex-servicemen will help instil better traffic awareness among citizens,” the police officer said.
The recruitment of ex-servicemen on contract aims to address the shortage of traffic police personnel in the capital. A little over 500 police personnel are currently assigned on traffic duty. Police authorities note that while the city’s area and vehicle numbers have increased substantially, traffic police staffing remains insufficient. Recently, police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh sent a proposal to the govt, seeking more human resources to control crime and regulate traffic.
The commissionerate police plans to reinstate the student traffic volunteer scheme, which was suspended after Covid following its Jan 2017 launch. Earlier, 400 college students in Bhubaneswar and 200 in Cuttack assisted police with traffic management. Students received Rs 100 daily for three hours a duty, funded by the transport department’s road safety management fund. “We hope traffic wardens and student volunteers help regulate traffic during peak hours. They should address the menace of wrong-side driving,” said Nirod Pattanayak, a citizen.
“The initiative aims to leverage the expertise and experience of former military personnel while creating employment opportunities for them. Each traffic warden has undergone specialised training in traffic management and road safety protocols before starting their duties,” a senior police officer said. Initially, about 100 traffic wardens have been deployed across major thoroughfares and busy intersections in Bhubaneswar. They work in coordination with the existing traffic police force to enhance road safety measures and improve compliance with traffic regulations.
The wardens have been equipped with necessary safety gear and communication devices to effectively carry out their responsibilities. Their primary duties include directing traffic flow, assisting pedestrians in crossing roads safely, and reporting traffic violations to the authorities. “This programme is part of our broader strategy to address growing traffic challenges and create a safer road environment. We believe that the disciplined approach of ex-servicemen will help instil better traffic awareness among citizens,” the police officer said.
The recruitment of ex-servicemen on contract aims to address the shortage of traffic police personnel in the capital. A little over 500 police personnel are currently assigned on traffic duty. Police authorities note that while the city’s area and vehicle numbers have increased substantially, traffic police staffing remains insufficient. Recently, police commissioner S Dev Datta Singh sent a proposal to the govt, seeking more human resources to control crime and regulate traffic.
The commissionerate police plans to reinstate the student traffic volunteer scheme, which was suspended after Covid following its Jan 2017 launch. Earlier, 400 college students in Bhubaneswar and 200 in Cuttack assisted police with traffic management. Students received Rs 100 daily for three hours a duty, funded by the transport department’s road safety management fund. “We hope traffic wardens and student volunteers help regulate traffic during peak hours. They should address the menace of wrong-side driving,” said Nirod Pattanayak, a citizen.
