Traffic Marshals and Traffic patrolling bikes launched

 Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand on Thursday launched 50 traffic patrolling bikes and 100 traffic marshals to strengthen traffic management in the city. The initiative, taken up under the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC), on a public-private partnership (PPP) model, aims to improve vehicle flow and ease congestion.

Each Bajaj Avenger 220 Cruise patrolling bike is equipped with tools such as a PA system with collar microphone, UHF handheld set, LED baton, dashboard camera, GPS tracking, first-aid kit, wheel clamp carrier, equipment box, tablet device and a body-worn camera. Officials said these measures will make traffic enforcement more effective.

The launch was attended by HCSC secretary general Shekhar Reddy, Additional Commissioner of Police (law and order) Vikram Singh Mann, Joint Secretary (Traffic) Rajasekhar Reddy, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) D. Joel Davis, and other dignitaries.

The Commissioner said that for the first time in the country, transgenders have been recruited as traffic marshals, adding that similar opportunities would be created in other departments, including in the GHMC. The marshals, trained for 15 days by the Hyderabad Traffic Police, will work under the supervision of local police station circle inspectors and sub inspectors. “Their number will be gradually increased from 100 to 500,” said the Commissioner.

With the addition of marshals and patrolling bikes, Hyderabad police estimate the average vehicle speed in the city will rise from 18 kmph to 23 kmph. Three cranes have also been deployed to aid traffic management. Mr. Anand urged the marshals to carry out their duties responsibly and honestly.