Wednesday, Sep 08, 2010
Overwhelmed by the public response to their facebook account and helpline numbers, Delhi Police have constituted a Special Task Force (STF) to check rogue drivers, bring corrupt traffic cops to book and manage roads better.
Traffic police receive around 250-300 complaints on its helpline number, 23010101, and around 150-200 comments daily on their facebook account.
The STF consists of 22 traffic police personnel, drawn from its 10 districts. There are two inspectors to lead the team. Its operations are not linked to existing traffic police teams. The STF aims to strengthen the traffic management system in the capital where heavy rains in the monsoon season and continuing work for the October Commonwealth Games have been bringing traffic to a halt almost every day.
Ajay Chadha, special commissioner, Delhi Traffic Police, said the STF has been formed to conduct surprise checks across the city and to deter traffic rule violators.
"With a rise in the number of vehicles, traffic offences have also increased. There are several roads where slow movement of vehicles has become a regular phenomenon. Surprise checks will help regulate the traffic flow," Chadha told IANS.
Delhi has over four million vehicles, including public transport.
The STF was formed about a month ago and it has been conducting surprise checks along various stretches in the city. The name of the stretch is selected with care and kept under wraps until a day before action, said a senior officer.
The stretch is decided on the basis of public feedback. "We are getting commuters' feedback through facebook and helplines. We decide the stretch for surprise checks according to complaints," said the officer.
For instance, the traffic police's facebook account Tuesday carried a post: "Delhi Traffic Police @Mr.Parteek Kapoor, action is taken against the erring police personnel and 2,397 police personnel have been prosecuted during current year.(AR)."
The STF has been kept away from local traffic police teams so that it can keep an eye on the working of the latter. "It would help in better productivity of local traffic police officials," added the officer.
Senior police officers believe the formation of the STF would also help in keeping check over corrupt practices in the force. "Sometimes we receive complaints of corruption. The STF would act as a deterrent in that regard," said a senior officer.
Delhi Traffic Police have a strength of about 5,500 personnel and about 600 additional hands would be added before the Commonwealth Games in October.
The additional force would help in managing the city's traffic during the Games. At present, there is hardly any monitoring of roads at night. But in the coming days, this too would be started, an officer said.
Original news source http://www.ndtv.com/article/cities/task-force-to-check-delhi-s-traffic-woes-50584
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
BPOs, police to provide traffic alerts to staff
Monday, Sep 06, 2010
The business processing outsourcing (BPO) centres have worked out an arrangement with the Delhi Traffic Police department to alert its executives to avoid congested stretches in the Capital. BPOs' apex association, Business Processing Industries Association of India (BPIAI), will now use the available helplines being provided by the Delhi Traffic Police department to get to know about the congested roads and diversions well in advance and accordingly guide their executives and cab operators to avoid such routes in Delhi.
The decision was taken in a meeting between the BPIAI and the Delhi Traffic Police recently. The BPIAI will now hold a similar meeting with the traffic police departments of Gurgaon and Noida also.
"Last Thursday, we had a meeting with the special commissioner of traffic police, Ajay Chadha, and his team in Delhi to discuss the issue of traffic jams and congested roads. The traffic police officials offered us the helpline numbers to get information about the traffic diversion plans well in advance. Our people will use these helplines and pass on the information about congested locations to our executives and also the cabs that ferry them from Gurgaon and Noida to their homes in Delhi," said Deepak Ohliyan, the BPIAI president.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BPOs-police-to-provide-traffic-alerts-to-staff/Article1-596574.aspx
The business processing outsourcing (BPO) centres have worked out an arrangement with the Delhi Traffic Police department to alert its executives to avoid congested stretches in the Capital. BPOs' apex association, Business Processing Industries Association of India (BPIAI), will now use the available helplines being provided by the Delhi Traffic Police department to get to know about the congested roads and diversions well in advance and accordingly guide their executives and cab operators to avoid such routes in Delhi.
The decision was taken in a meeting between the BPIAI and the Delhi Traffic Police recently. The BPIAI will now hold a similar meeting with the traffic police departments of Gurgaon and Noida also.
"Last Thursday, we had a meeting with the special commissioner of traffic police, Ajay Chadha, and his team in Delhi to discuss the issue of traffic jams and congested roads. The traffic police officials offered us the helpline numbers to get information about the traffic diversion plans well in advance. Our people will use these helplines and pass on the information about congested locations to our executives and also the cabs that ferry them from Gurgaon and Noida to their homes in Delhi," said Deepak Ohliyan, the BPIAI president.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BPOs-police-to-provide-traffic-alerts-to-staff/Article1-596574.aspx
In 11 months, 1,378 lose licence for drunk driving
Monday, Sep 06, 2010
Last October, the Delhi Traffic Police had given an ultimatum to the Delhiites to drive sober or not at all. And just after 11 months, a whopping 1,378 people have lost their driving licences for six months. As a part of the Delhi government's zero-tolerance policy on drunken driving, the Delhi
Traffic Police, transport department and the high court have joined hands to curb the menace of drunken driving, which claim 1,500 lives every year on Delhi roads.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, those caught driving under the influence of alcohol have to either pay a fine of Rs 2,000 or face six months' imprisonment, or both. A second-time offender, caught drunk behind the wheel within the next three years, would either face three years in prison or a fine of Rs 3,000, or both.
"Gone are the days when one could get away with paying just R2,000 as challan for drunk driving. Drunken driving will now result in confiscation of the driving licence at least for six months. If the offence is repeated, the accused will lose his driving right for good," said Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic).
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/In-11-months-1-378-lose-licence-for-drunk-driving/Article1-596575.aspx
Last October, the Delhi Traffic Police had given an ultimatum to the Delhiites to drive sober or not at all. And just after 11 months, a whopping 1,378 people have lost their driving licences for six months. As a part of the Delhi government's zero-tolerance policy on drunken driving, the Delhi
Traffic Police, transport department and the high court have joined hands to curb the menace of drunken driving, which claim 1,500 lives every year on Delhi roads.
According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, those caught driving under the influence of alcohol have to either pay a fine of Rs 2,000 or face six months' imprisonment, or both. A second-time offender, caught drunk behind the wheel within the next three years, would either face three years in prison or a fine of Rs 3,000, or both.
"Gone are the days when one could get away with paying just R2,000 as challan for drunk driving. Drunken driving will now result in confiscation of the driving licence at least for six months. If the offence is repeated, the accused will lose his driving right for good," said Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic).
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/In-11-months-1-378-lose-licence-for-drunk-driving/Article1-596575.aspx
Vehicles crawl as trials are on at roads partially closed to accommodate CWG vehicles
Monday, Sep 06, 2010
After Saturday's nightmare of long traffic snarls due to Commonwealth lanes' trials, Delhi commuters were put to test again on Sunday morning from 11 am to 1 pm from NH-24 Nizamuddin to Noida Mod and IP College to Chhatra Marg. Keeping the previous day's mess in mind, trials were kept on a lean Sunday when traffic volume is almost half.
A total of 40 people from the Delhi traffic police were deployed to ensure that the trials are a success and this was largely done to avoid any kind of pandemonium. On Saturday, the city police conducted trials on Dhaula Kuan up to Hotel Samrat and on Vinay Marg to Africa Avenue which led to traffic issues.
The situation on Sunday was a little controlled according to the Joint commissioner of police, traffic. "It was a successful trial being a Sunday, but we are yet to see the situation when we will have the trials during weekdays. The most important idea is to educate more and more commuters about the CWG lane," he said.
The CWG lane meant exclusively for athletes and other VIPs during the Games extends for about 210 km through the entire Capital. These trials are meant to gauge the impact of segregating a separate lane in the upcoming days. A lot of road planning experts believe that there is no other option to manage traffic other than dedicating a lane for CWG officials and athletes.
The movement of these athletes, VIPs and media will be crucial during the Games and considering the Delhi traffic in mind, if this is not done then there are high chances of them getting stuck in jams. P K Sarkar, Professor, School of Planning and Architecture says the traffic situation will be messy if the management is not done properly.
"I did a study on the management of traffic plans of Melbourne and Seoul and the rules were quite strict there with a fantastic system. It is a customary practice which has no substitute. There has to be comprehensive traffic management and the public should also be involved in decision making so as to avoid any problems," he said. During the Games the volume of traffic is expected to be high but many believe that closure of schools and colleges will reduce some congestion.
S Gangopadhyaya, Director, Central Road Research Institute welcomes it as a necessary move. "It is impossible to predict the traffic situation during the Games now but a little bit of cooperation from the public and effective traffic management can make this step a success. Due to event many people will prefer to stay indoors knowing that the possibility of traffic jams will be high," he said.
Not all the CWG lanes will be blocked simultaneously; there will be proper scheduling keeping the traffic situation in mind. "There will be an element of doubt as far as Delhi's traffic is concerned so a better cleaning of encroachments and garbage is required to avoid traffic jams near these lanes," said S Gangopadhyaya.
AVOID THE BLUES
2000 traffic police personnel would be deployed all along the Games route. They would monitor and levy fines on those drivers straying into the CWG lanes from September 20 when the athletes start arriving. There will be zero tolerance during this period. The traffic police have already given out a proposal for dedicated lanes. The penalty for prohibition on Games lane will amount to rupees 2000. The lane will be declared under 115 Motor Vehicle Act, the violation for which is rupees 2000. The dedicated lane is part of the contract entered into by the host city and Commonwealth Games Federation.
Original news source http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/sep/060910-Delhi-CWG-vehicles-traffic.htm
After Saturday's nightmare of long traffic snarls due to Commonwealth lanes' trials, Delhi commuters were put to test again on Sunday morning from 11 am to 1 pm from NH-24 Nizamuddin to Noida Mod and IP College to Chhatra Marg. Keeping the previous day's mess in mind, trials were kept on a lean Sunday when traffic volume is almost half.
A total of 40 people from the Delhi traffic police were deployed to ensure that the trials are a success and this was largely done to avoid any kind of pandemonium. On Saturday, the city police conducted trials on Dhaula Kuan up to Hotel Samrat and on Vinay Marg to Africa Avenue which led to traffic issues.
The situation on Sunday was a little controlled according to the Joint commissioner of police, traffic. "It was a successful trial being a Sunday, but we are yet to see the situation when we will have the trials during weekdays. The most important idea is to educate more and more commuters about the CWG lane," he said.
The CWG lane meant exclusively for athletes and other VIPs during the Games extends for about 210 km through the entire Capital. These trials are meant to gauge the impact of segregating a separate lane in the upcoming days. A lot of road planning experts believe that there is no other option to manage traffic other than dedicating a lane for CWG officials and athletes.
The movement of these athletes, VIPs and media will be crucial during the Games and considering the Delhi traffic in mind, if this is not done then there are high chances of them getting stuck in jams. P K Sarkar, Professor, School of Planning and Architecture says the traffic situation will be messy if the management is not done properly.
"I did a study on the management of traffic plans of Melbourne and Seoul and the rules were quite strict there with a fantastic system. It is a customary practice which has no substitute. There has to be comprehensive traffic management and the public should also be involved in decision making so as to avoid any problems," he said. During the Games the volume of traffic is expected to be high but many believe that closure of schools and colleges will reduce some congestion.
S Gangopadhyaya, Director, Central Road Research Institute welcomes it as a necessary move. "It is impossible to predict the traffic situation during the Games now but a little bit of cooperation from the public and effective traffic management can make this step a success. Due to event many people will prefer to stay indoors knowing that the possibility of traffic jams will be high," he said.
Not all the CWG lanes will be blocked simultaneously; there will be proper scheduling keeping the traffic situation in mind. "There will be an element of doubt as far as Delhi's traffic is concerned so a better cleaning of encroachments and garbage is required to avoid traffic jams near these lanes," said S Gangopadhyaya.
AVOID THE BLUES
2000 traffic police personnel would be deployed all along the Games route. They would monitor and levy fines on those drivers straying into the CWG lanes from September 20 when the athletes start arriving. There will be zero tolerance during this period. The traffic police have already given out a proposal for dedicated lanes. The penalty for prohibition on Games lane will amount to rupees 2000. The lane will be declared under 115 Motor Vehicle Act, the violation for which is rupees 2000. The dedicated lane is part of the contract entered into by the host city and Commonwealth Games Federation.
Original news source http://www.mid-day.com/news/2010/sep/060910-Delhi-CWG-vehicles-traffic.htm
BRT operator in Blueline's pocket
Sunday, Sep 05, 2010
Think twice before you blame the traffic signal for being too slow at the infamous BRT corridor in south Delhi. A video and a series of pictures posted on Saturday by a citizen on Delhi Traffic Police's Facebook page reveal a nexus between traffic signal operators and Blueline bus drivers on the BRT at GK-I intersection.
"I take that stretch once a week and have been following this drama for two months now. I got the hint a week ago when I saw a group of men assembled in front of the signal operation box and discussing Blueline bus timings — essentially which one was running late and which one on time," Amit Raj Gulati who posted the matter on the page told Hindustan Times.
The pictures and video show a person operating the traffic signal taking instructions from a person in casual clothes standing at a distance.
"The person instructing the man operating the signal is carefully checking numbers of the Blueline buses approaching from the opposite side. When he sees a particular bus approach, he instructs that the light be turned green. The pictures were taken first and the video was shot 15 days later — the same duo are at their business in both," Gulati said.
The Delhi Traffic Police concurred.
"The man operating the signal is a Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) employee and visibly in connivance with the man in the green t-shirt," said a senior Delhi Traffic Police officer requesting anonymity.
Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic) said, "I've seen the video and the pictures that have been posted and alerted the zonal officers concerned."
The traffic signal system on the BRT corridor is managed by the DIMTS. Delhi Traffic Police provides additional support as and when required.
"This is a routine affair on the BRT. Blueline bus conductors approach such touts and pay them a small fee to avoid getting stuck. This is an elaborate racket," the officer said.
A DIMTS employee, Prithviraj Chauhan, manning a similar traffic intersection in southeast Delhi's Pushp Vihar area was suspended in early August for the same offence.
The Managing Director of DIMTS, Sanjiv Sahai, could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BRT-operator-in-Blueline-s-pocket/Article1-596195.aspx
Think twice before you blame the traffic signal for being too slow at the infamous BRT corridor in south Delhi. A video and a series of pictures posted on Saturday by a citizen on Delhi Traffic Police's Facebook page reveal a nexus between traffic signal operators and Blueline bus drivers on the BRT at GK-I intersection.
"I take that stretch once a week and have been following this drama for two months now. I got the hint a week ago when I saw a group of men assembled in front of the signal operation box and discussing Blueline bus timings — essentially which one was running late and which one on time," Amit Raj Gulati who posted the matter on the page told Hindustan Times.
The pictures and video show a person operating the traffic signal taking instructions from a person in casual clothes standing at a distance.
"The person instructing the man operating the signal is carefully checking numbers of the Blueline buses approaching from the opposite side. When he sees a particular bus approach, he instructs that the light be turned green. The pictures were taken first and the video was shot 15 days later — the same duo are at their business in both," Gulati said.
The Delhi Traffic Police concurred.
"The man operating the signal is a Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) employee and visibly in connivance with the man in the green t-shirt," said a senior Delhi Traffic Police officer requesting anonymity.
Ajay Chadha, Special CP (Traffic) said, "I've seen the video and the pictures that have been posted and alerted the zonal officers concerned."
The traffic signal system on the BRT corridor is managed by the DIMTS. Delhi Traffic Police provides additional support as and when required.
"This is a routine affair on the BRT. Blueline bus conductors approach such touts and pay them a small fee to avoid getting stuck. This is an elaborate racket," the officer said.
A DIMTS employee, Prithviraj Chauhan, manning a similar traffic intersection in southeast Delhi's Pushp Vihar area was suspended in early August for the same offence.
The Managing Director of DIMTS, Sanjiv Sahai, could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BRT-operator-in-Blueline-s-pocket/Article1-596195.aspx
BRT operator in Blueline's pocket
Friday, Sep 03, 2010
Planning extensive restrictions a day prior to the commencement of the trials for special dedicated lanes for the 2010 Commonwealth Games 2010, the Delhi Traffic Police on Friday appealed to the citizens to adhere to the issued road restrictions to avoid traffic chaos and fines.
The trials for the dedicated lanes and diversions would commence from Saturday along certain roads leading to the venues of the mega event.
"We appeal to the citizens, that there are some roads where traffic problems might occur because one of their lanes is dedicated for the Commonwealth Games traffic. So, if generally these roads can be avoided then they should and use available alternate routes so as to face less inconvenience," said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha.
"We appeal to the citizens, that there are some roads where traffic problems might occur because one of their lanes is dedicated for the Commonwealth Games traffic. So, if generally these roads can be avoided then they should and use available alternate routes so as to face less inconvenience," he added, while advising Delhites to keep away from certain routes to avoid traffic congestions.
Chadha specified the names of the roads, where there might be more traffic problems.
"Most of the roads have three lanes, and if we have taken one lane so then also the traffic will run smoothly. However, roads like Sardar Patel, Panchsheel Marg, etc. are just two-lane roads, here the traffic chaos can be more," he said.
There are 36 reserved lanes stretching from the international airport to the Games Village and various other venues.
These lanes will be on the right side of the roads and earmarked by broad blue bands and Commonwealth Games logo.
Chadha further said that around 2000 traffic police personnel would be deployed all along the Games route.
"They would monitor and levy fines on those drivers straying into the CWG lanes from September 20 when the athletes start arriving. There will be zero tolerance during this period and we will be doing maximum prosecutions. We have already given our proposal for dedicated lanes; we will get the orders in other one or two days," said Chadha.
"The penalty for prohibition on Games lane will amount to rupees 2000 ($43). The lane will be declared under 115 Motor Vehicle Act, the violation for which is rupees 2000. The dedicated lane is part of the contract entered into by the host city and Commonwealth Games Federation," he added.
The lanes will be used for smooth movement of Games officials and sportspersons till October 16.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3, is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.
India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BRT-operator-in-Blueline-s-pocket/Article1-596195.aspx
Planning extensive restrictions a day prior to the commencement of the trials for special dedicated lanes for the 2010 Commonwealth Games 2010, the Delhi Traffic Police on Friday appealed to the citizens to adhere to the issued road restrictions to avoid traffic chaos and fines.
The trials for the dedicated lanes and diversions would commence from Saturday along certain roads leading to the venues of the mega event.
"We appeal to the citizens, that there are some roads where traffic problems might occur because one of their lanes is dedicated for the Commonwealth Games traffic. So, if generally these roads can be avoided then they should and use available alternate routes so as to face less inconvenience," said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha.
"We appeal to the citizens, that there are some roads where traffic problems might occur because one of their lanes is dedicated for the Commonwealth Games traffic. So, if generally these roads can be avoided then they should and use available alternate routes so as to face less inconvenience," he added, while advising Delhites to keep away from certain routes to avoid traffic congestions.
Chadha specified the names of the roads, where there might be more traffic problems.
"Most of the roads have three lanes, and if we have taken one lane so then also the traffic will run smoothly. However, roads like Sardar Patel, Panchsheel Marg, etc. are just two-lane roads, here the traffic chaos can be more," he said.
There are 36 reserved lanes stretching from the international airport to the Games Village and various other venues.
These lanes will be on the right side of the roads and earmarked by broad blue bands and Commonwealth Games logo.
Chadha further said that around 2000 traffic police personnel would be deployed all along the Games route.
"They would monitor and levy fines on those drivers straying into the CWG lanes from September 20 when the athletes start arriving. There will be zero tolerance during this period and we will be doing maximum prosecutions. We have already given our proposal for dedicated lanes; we will get the orders in other one or two days," said Chadha.
"The penalty for prohibition on Games lane will amount to rupees 2000 ($43). The lane will be declared under 115 Motor Vehicle Act, the violation for which is rupees 2000. The dedicated lane is part of the contract entered into by the host city and Commonwealth Games Federation," he added.
The lanes will be used for smooth movement of Games officials and sportspersons till October 16.
The 2010 Commonwealth Games, which kicks off on October 3, is India's biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games.
India is expecting about two million tourists in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/BRT-operator-in-Blueline-s-pocket/Article1-596195.aspx
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Soon, fliers may get to take autos from IGIA
Monday, Aug 30, 2010
Passengers travelling by budget carriers now might have an option of hiring an auto rickshaw from the Delhi airport. At present, auto rickshaws are not allowed to pick up passengers from the Indira Gandhi International Airport by the Delhi Traffic Police. At the new Terminal 3, auto rickshaws and public transport buses are stopped two kilometres ahead of the terminal and passengers transferred to shuttle buses.
Though pre-paid taxi and radio cabs are readily available at the airport, there are no pre-paid auto rickshaw booths. Auto rickshaws dropping passengers at the airport are not allowed to wait or pick up passengers.
Auto rickshaws, however, might now be allowed at the domestic departure terminal 1D once the full cost carriers and their low cost arms shift to the Terminal 3. Terminal 1D will house only budget carriers IndiGo, Go Air and SpiceJet
"Auto rickshaws are not allowed to avoid congestion but with limited number of airline operating from terminal 1D, they can be allowed to operate," said a senior airport official, who didn't wish to be identified.
Sources said private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) is discussing the issue with the Delhi Traffic Police. The DIAL spokesman, however, refused to comment.
"This will be a welcome move that was long overdue," said Pankaj Agarwal, a frequent flier.
"Air travel is as cheap as the railways now and a lot of people don't want to shell out large amount of money to hire cabs."
A pre-paid auto rickshaw booth is expected to come up at Terminal 1D by the end of October.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Soon-fliers-may-get-to-take-autos-from-IGIA/Article1-593975.aspx
Passengers travelling by budget carriers now might have an option of hiring an auto rickshaw from the Delhi airport. At present, auto rickshaws are not allowed to pick up passengers from the Indira Gandhi International Airport by the Delhi Traffic Police. At the new Terminal 3, auto rickshaws and public transport buses are stopped two kilometres ahead of the terminal and passengers transferred to shuttle buses.
Though pre-paid taxi and radio cabs are readily available at the airport, there are no pre-paid auto rickshaw booths. Auto rickshaws dropping passengers at the airport are not allowed to wait or pick up passengers.
Auto rickshaws, however, might now be allowed at the domestic departure terminal 1D once the full cost carriers and their low cost arms shift to the Terminal 3. Terminal 1D will house only budget carriers IndiGo, Go Air and SpiceJet
"Auto rickshaws are not allowed to avoid congestion but with limited number of airline operating from terminal 1D, they can be allowed to operate," said a senior airport official, who didn't wish to be identified.
Sources said private airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd. (DIAL) is discussing the issue with the Delhi Traffic Police. The DIAL spokesman, however, refused to comment.
"This will be a welcome move that was long overdue," said Pankaj Agarwal, a frequent flier.
"Air travel is as cheap as the railways now and a lot of people don't want to shell out large amount of money to hire cabs."
A pre-paid auto rickshaw booth is expected to come up at Terminal 1D by the end of October.
Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/Soon-fliers-may-get-to-take-autos-from-IGIA/Article1-593975.aspx
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