Bidhannagar Police to Enhance Traffic Surveillance with Advanced Technology
In a significant move to improve traffic management and safety, the Bidhannagar Police, under the leadership of Commissioner Murlidhar Sharma, has announced plans to deploy automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and speed cameras on two major arterial roads in Kolkata. The installation will target VIP Road and Biswa Bangla Sarani, with completion expected within the next six months.
Daily Presence of Senior Officers During Peak Hours
To further bolster traffic control efforts, all senior police officers, including Inspectors-in-Charge (ICs) of traffic guards, Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs), will be actively present on the roads daily during peak traffic hours. These periods are scheduled from 9 am to 11 am and again from 6 pm to 8.30 pm, ensuring heightened supervision and quicker response to congestion issues.
Decisions Made at Key Traffic Meeting
These strategic decisions were finalized at a crucial meeting held on Wednesday, chaired by Commissioner Sharma and attended by all key officers from the traffic wing. During the discussions, an officer highlighted the infrastructural gaps in the Bidhannagar Police jurisdiction compared to Kolkata Police areas, stating, "Compared to Kolkata Police areas, infrastructure is lacking on important roads, like VIP Road and Biswa Bangla Sarani, where we are installing tech tools." This initiative aims to bridge that gap by leveraging technology for more efficient monitoring.
Comprehensive Traffic Studies and Proposed Changes
In addition to the camera installations, the Bidhannagar Police is conducting detailed studies of signal cycles at heavily congested crossings, such as Chingrighata and Haldiram, to optimize traffic flow. One proposed measure under consideration is making the Salt Lake service road, which runs parallel to the canal alongside Salt Lake Bypass, a one-way route. This change is expected to alleviate congestion and improve overall traffic movement.
Engagement with Stakeholders for Decongestion
Recognizing the significant impact of public transport and delivery services on road conditions, the police are planning to engage with various stakeholders. An officer noted, "Almost 1,000 buses enter Salt Lake every day. We need their feedback." The Bidhannagar Police will also hold discussions with auto unions and app-based food delivery platforms to collaboratively develop strategies for decongesting roads, ensuring a holistic approach to traffic management that incorporates input from all affected parties.
