Kolkata Traffic Police Launches Major Initiative to Enhance Road Safety and Efficiency
In a significant move aimed at improving urban mobility, the Kolkata Traffic Police has pinpointed 26 key road stretches and crossings with the highest pedestrian volumes across the city. The primary objective is to increase the average speed of vehicles passing through these critical spots without compromising the safety of pedestrians. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to addressing long-standing traffic congestion and safety concerns in Kolkata.
Targeted Locations and Immediate Actions
The identified spots include prominent areas such as Behala Chowrasta, DL Khan Road, and major crossings at Rashbehari, Gariahat, Ruby, and Chingrighata. Notably, changes have already been initiated at Exide crossing, Behala Chowrasta, and Chingrighata, signaling the urgency of this project. To further bolster safety, the police have requested additional traffic signals, the installation of small speed bumps, and enhanced illumination on several roads, including Cossipore Road, Bagbazar Street, Harlal Maitra Road, Biren Roy Road West, and Becharam Chatterjee Street. Most of these crossings are strategically located in the northern, central, and added areas of Kolkata, highlighting a city-wide focus.
Strategic Measures and Area-Specific Solutions
Thirteen Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), each responsible for these stretches, have been tasked with developing tailored plans to meet the objectives set by Lalbazar, the police headquarters. According to a senior officer at Lalbazar, the solutions will be area-specific and may include switching traffic signals from automatic to manual mode, setting up pedestrian barriers, and relocating bus stands away from crossings. In the long run, the establishment of subways is also being considered to facilitate safer pedestrian movement.
Infrastructure Audit and Root Cause Analysis
The audit conducted by the ACPs will thoroughly assess the existing infrastructure at each spot. Sources indicate that the poor condition of pavements is a major factor contributing to pedestrians jaywalking on high-speed corridors like the EM Bypass and APC Road, which have witnessed serious accidents recently. The police believe that improving footpaths and installing pedestrian barriers will not only enhance safety but also help curb illegal parking on sidewalks, a common issue in these areas.
Research-Based Insights and Risk Factors
Based on combined reactive and proactive assessments by police and appointed researchers, several factors have been identified that increase the risk of pedestrian crashes at these intersections. These include:
- A high pedestrian-vehicular volume ratio
- Absence of traffic signals
- Inaccessibility of pedestrian crosswalks
- Lack of police personnel
- High approaching vehicle speeds
- Proximity to commercial areas
- Inadequate sight distance
- Presence of slum populations
- High population density near intersections
By addressing these risk factors, the Kolkata Traffic Police aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment while optimizing traffic flow, ultimately reducing accidents and improving overall urban transportation efficiency.
