Traffic police deploy drones for real-time monitoring in Bengaluru. Credit: DH PHOTO/PUSHKAR V
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) is gearing up for a unique civic outreach programme this November.
Dubbed ‘Be a Traffic Cop for a Day’, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between citizens and law enforcement by offering a first-hand experience of managing the city’s notorious traffic, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Karthik Reddy told DH.
Citizens above 18 years who wish to participate must register via the BTP’s Astram mobile app. After registration, volunteers will undergo a mandatory one-hour training session before selecting a junction of their choice. They can then assist in traffic management for a two-hour or four-hour shift each day.
Reddy said the core philosophy of the initiative is public sensitisation.
"Our intention is to make them understand the ground reality of the challenges faced by traffic police,” he said.
He added that a commuter might sometimes take a route that helps reach a destination faster, but could unintentionally cause inconvenience to others.
The programme also aims to highlight “how a traffic constable’s job is so tiresome” and promote empathy and cooperation among commuters.
BTP officials said they are also open to citizens' suggestions for improving traffic management and have promised to implement practical ideas shared by participants.