In a bid to usher in the new year with improved road discipline, the Kolkata Traffic Police has initiated a significant drive targeting illegal parking and pedestrian safety hazards in the city's central business district. The focus areas include the bustling Dalhousie area, where authorities are taking concrete steps to demarcate unauthorized parking zones and identify locations for installing median railings.
Finalizing the Safety Blueprint
The final inspection for this initiative was carried out on Wednesday. The broader plan was solidified during the last District Safety Committee meeting held on December 27. During this meeting, DC (Traffic) Shrikant Jagannathrao Yeilwad formally requested the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) for the installation and repair of pedestrian barriers on several major roads under the Head Quarter Traffic Guard's jurisdiction.
These critical roads include Hemanta Basu Sarani, NS Road, and RN Mukherjee Road. Furthermore, to address the persistent issue of jaywalking on Red Road, Yeilwad has asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to organize a joint visit. This visit will involve the Officer-in-Charge of the South Traffic Guard and Army officials to resolve existing issues and obtain the necessary No-Objection Certificate (NoC). The goal is to install gates at the cut-outs along the parapet wall on both sides of Red Road.
The Dalhousie Drive Against Haphazard Parking
Simultaneously, the Kolkata Traffic Police has rolled out a dedicated drive to enhance vehicular circulation in the central business district, with a special emphasis on Dalhousie. As an initial measure, officers from the Headquarter Traffic Guard have selected three key stretches for strict monitoring:
- A section of Netaji Subhas Road
- A stretch in the India Exchange Place area
- Bentick Street
"We began patrolling and kept an eye out for haphazard parking. The idea is to stop two- and three-lane parking. This ensures smooth circulation of cars," explained a police officer involved in the drive. The primary objective is to put an end to the practice of multi-lane parking, which severely congests these vital arteries.
Ground Reality and Public Reaction
Despite the police's active efforts, a recent spot check by journalists revealed that illegal parking remains rampant in the area. Violations range from vehicles parked on pavements to those blocking office entrances. A traffic sergeant acknowledged the challenge, stating, "It will need both technical as well as human surveillance to drill discipline into motorists and bikers. We need to collect hefty fines."
The drive has elicited mixed reactions from local businesses and daily commuters. While some have welcomed the move to bring order to the chaotic streets, others express concerns about potential inconvenience and possible "excesses" by the policing authorities. A section of skeptics believes the drive may lose momentum after the upcoming IPL cricket season. Viraj Singh, a trader on NS Bose Road, voiced this opinion, saying, "The drive is being done only to ensure better traffic flow around Eden Gardens."
The Kolkata Traffic Police's new year initiative underscores a determined effort to tackle long-standing traffic woes. Its sustained success, however, will depend on consistent enforcement, adequate infrastructure upgrades, and public cooperation.
