Nagpur, a bustling city with over 20 lakh vehicles, is grappling with traffic chaos due to a severe shortage of traffic police personnel. With just 560 cops on the ground, enforcing discipline on the roads has become a significant challenge.

Understaffed and Overwhelmed: The Reality of Traffic Police in Nagpur

20L Vehicles, Only 560 Traffic Cops On Ground

The disparity between the sanctioned strength of 950 traffic police (Traffic Police Nagpur) officers and the current workforce of 560 has led to a dire situation on Nagpur’s roads. This shortage not only hampers traffic management but also results in poor law enforcement, creating chaos in the city.

A Closer Look at the Numbers

Struggling to Keep Pace

With 311 constabulary positions lying vacant, critical roles in traffic management remain unfilled. The 560 traffic cops are responsible for overseeing 500 intersections, including 162 major ones, leading to a daunting ratio of one cop for every 3,500 motor vehicles.

Prioritizing Under Constraints

The Challenge of Deployment

Understaffing forces authorities to be selective in deploying manpower. Busy roads take precedence, with top priority given to routes frequented by VVIPs like Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari and deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. This prioritization often leaves internal roads, prone to accidents and violations, neglected.

Long Hours and Overworked Cops

Straining Beyond Limits

To cope with the shortage, traffic cops find themselves working for extended hours, sometimes exceeding 12 hours a day for almost 20 days a month. This impacts their ability to focus on traffic management, leading to an increase in violations and accidents on internal roads.

The Impact on Road Safety

Internal Roads Neglected

Internal roads, where a majority of accidents occur, are slipping through the enforcement radar due to manpower constraints. The demand for increased enforcement on these roads continues to rise as traffic grows, exacerbating the need for an effective solution.

Expert Opinions on the Way Forward

Technology: A Solution for the Future

Experts propose a shift towards technology-driven solutions, advocating for an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS). They emphasize the need for a dedicated technology section within the Commissioner of Police office to stay abreast of ITMS development and law and order management, both nationally and internationally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Q: Why is there a shortage of traffic cops in Nagpur?
   • A: The city currently operates with only 560 traffic cops, half of the sanctioned strength, leading to understaffing issues.
2. Q: How does the shortage impact traffic management?
   • A: With fewer cops, authorities prioritize busy roads, leaving internal roads vulnerable to accidents and violations.
3. Q: What are the working hours for traffic cops in Nagpur?
   • A: Due to the shortage, traffic cops often work beyond 12 hours a day for almost 20 days a month.
4. Q: What is the ratio of traffic cops to vehicles in Nagpur?
   • A: The challenging ratio is one traffic cop for every 3,500 motor vehicles in the city.
5. Q: How can the issue be resolved?
   • A: Experts suggest adopting an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and integrating technology for effective enforcement.
6. Q: What areas are most affected by the shortage of traffic cops?
   • A: Internal roads witness neglect, leading to increased accidents and traffic violations.

In Nagpur, the dire shortage of traffic cops poses a significant threat to road safety and effective traffic management. As the city grapples with the challenges of increasing vehicular population, a strategic shift towards technology-driven solutions, such as an Intelligent Traffic Management System, becomes imperative. Balancing manpower and technology is crucial for ensuring the smooth flow of traffic and maintaining road discipline. The call for action is clear – Nagpur needs innovative solutions to overcome its traffic woes and enhance the safety of its roads.