The Nashik city police are set to fully operationalise their specialised 'Zebra Squads' across multiple parts of the city to address the growing issue of traffic congestion.
Zebra Squads Activation Confirmed
Assistant police commissioner (traffic) Advita Shinde confirmed the development, stating, "The department is activating Zebra Squads in all necessary units to ensure immediate response to congestion, particularly during the rainy season. Motorists are urged to follow lane discipline, as most traffic issues arise from violations of basic traffic rules."
The Zebra Squads consist of traffic personnel who can be deployed at short notice to areas experiencing heavy congestion, based on instructions from senior officers, to ensure smoother vehicular movement.
Expansion of Deployment
Senior officers from the traffic branch noted that while the squads are already functioning, their deployment is now being expanded to locations where such units are not currently present. "The move comes at a crucial time, as traffic has increased significantly following the start of the new academic year, bringing more school buses, vans, students and parents onto the roads during peak hours," they said.
Additional Factors Worsening Congestion
Compounding the problem, extensive roadwork is underway across major and internal roads in preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Portions of roads have been closed at several locations, including Gangapur Road, Sharanpur Road, Trimbak Road and areas around Canada Corner, further reducing road capacity.
"Encroachments by hawkers and food vendors have also added to congestion. During evenings, popular food and ice cream stalls draw large crowds, with vehicles often parked along the roadside, narrowing available space for traffic movement," another officer added.
Monsoon Season Concerns
The officers warned that the situation was likely to worsen with the onset of the monsoon. Nashik typically experiences severe traffic snarls during the monsoon, and with ongoing roadworks and already congested alternative routes, the pressure on the city's traffic system is expected to intensify.
