The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) has brought back its ‘Cop for the Day’ initiative, inviting citizens to spend a day with traffic police personnel and experience firsthand the challenges of managing the city’s busy roads during peak hours. The initiative is aimed at helping residents understand traffic management from a police officer’s perspective while encouraging them to share suggestions for safer and smoother roads. 

The traffic police announced the initiative on social media, asking Bengaluru residents to step into the shoes of a traffic cop and gain a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in regulating traffic. The department said participants would get an opportunity to observe the practical difficulties faced by traffic personnel and contribute their views based on the experience. 

Citizens Get Firsthand Experience

Under the programme, volunteers will spend time alongside traffic police personnel and gain on-ground exposure to traffic management during busy periods.

The initiative is not simply about observing traffic from the roadside. It is intended to give participants a closer understanding of the decisions and challenges involved in keeping vehicles moving, managing congestion and maintaining road discipline in one of India's busiest urban centres.

According to Bengaluru Traffic Police, the programme had been conducted successfully earlier and has now been brought back to encourage greater public participation.

Police Invite Public Suggestions

Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Bengaluru City, Karthik Reddy, IPS, encouraged citizens to participate in the programme and share their experiences and suggestions after spending time with traffic personnel.

The broader objective is to build greater public understanding of traffic policing and encourage citizens to become part of efforts aimed at improving road safety and traffic movement.

The department's message said the experience would allow residents to understand the challenges faced by traffic personnel while also providing an opportunity to suggest ways to make Bengaluru's roads safer and smoother. 

How to Become a ‘Cop for the Day’

Interested residents can register through the BTP ASTraM app. The reported registration process includes downloading the application, logging in with a mobile number and selecting the “Traffic Cop for a Day” option from the app's home page.

Applicants then have to enter the required details and submit the registration form. Selected participants can subsequently take part in the initiative and experience traffic management alongside personnel.

The programme therefore provides a structured way for citizens to interact with traffic police rather than simply observing their work from outside. 

Bengaluru's Traffic Challenge

The initiative comes against the backdrop of Bengaluru's long-standing traffic management challenges. The city frequently experiences congestion during peak commuting hours, making traffic regulation a demanding task for personnel deployed at busy junctions and corridors.

Bengaluru Traffic Police currently uses a combination of on-ground enforcement and technology-based systems to monitor and manage traffic. Its official website also provides real-time information on incidents such as vehicle breakdowns, severe congestion and other road-related disruptions.

For citizens, experiencing the work directly could provide a different perspective on the difficulties involved in managing traffic, particularly at crowded intersections and during peak hours.

Focus on Safer Roads

The ‘Cop for the Day’ initiative also places emphasis on the relationship between traffic police and road users. While enforcement remains an important part of traffic management, public cooperation is equally significant in maintaining road discipline.

By allowing citizens to understand the work of traffic personnel firsthand, the BTP hopes to encourage greater awareness of traffic rules and responsible road behaviour.

The department has invited Bengaluru residents to participate, understand the realities of traffic management and provide practical feedback. The initiative offers citizens a chance to experience the pressures faced by traffic police while contributing their own suggestions for improving the city's road environment.

Raipur Police has intensified efforts to tackle traffic congestion by deploying Quick Response Teams (QRTs) that are dispatched immediately after receiving reports of traffic jams through the Daksh (ITMS) Control Roomhelpline.

According to police officials, the dedicated teams are reaching congestion points within five to eight minutes on average, helping restore normal traffic flow across the city. So far, authorities say 88 complaints received through the helpline have been successfully resolved.

10 Dedicated QRTs Deployed

The initiative has been launched under the direction of Raipur Police Commissioner Dr. Sanjeev Shukla, who ordered the formation of 10 Quick Response Teams to respond to sudden traffic congestion at key locations across the city.

Citizens can report traffic jams directly by calling the dedicated traffic helpline 94792-10632, enabling police to respond without delay.

ITMS Control Room Monitors City Traffic

The operation is managed from the city's Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) control room, where police personnel continuously monitor traffic conditions using CCTV cameras installed across Raipur along with Google Maps.

Whenever traffic congestion is detected through surveillance or reported via the helpline, the nearest QRT receives the exact location and is immediately dispatched to the spot.

Officials said the system allows traffic personnel to reach affected areas quickly and ensure smoother movement of vehicles.

Police Appeal to Citizens

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic and Protocol) Dr. Archana Jha has appealed to residents to immediately inform the traffic control room whenever they encounter major traffic congestion in any part of the city.

To improve public awareness, the police have also installed information boards displaying the traffic helpline numberat major intersections and public places across Raipur.

Officials believe timely information from commuters, combined with real-time surveillance through the ITMS network, will help minimise traffic disruptions and improve overall traffic management in the state capital.

The Raigarh district administration has directed officials to intensify verification drives to identify illegal immigrants and strengthen internal security while reviewing law and order arrangements across the district. The directions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by Collector Mayank Chaturvedi and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shashi Mohan Singh.

The meeting covered 16 key agenda points, including law and order, road safety, traffic management, heavy vehicle parking, and measures to improve public safety.

Verification Drive for Illegal Immigrants

The Collector and SSP instructed revenue and police officials to jointly conduct verification drives to identify suspected illegal immigrants and monitor their activities. Officials were asked to act promptly on every input and ensure that district security is not compromised.

During the meeting, authorities informed participants that the Chhattisgarh government has launched a dedicated 24x7 toll-free helpline (1800-233-1905) for citizens to report information related to suspected illegal immigrants or suspicious activities.

Officials said the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential to encourage public participation in maintaining internal security.

Bus Stops Planned Outside City Limits

Traffic congestion caused by buses transporting industrial workers was also discussed during the meeting.

Municipal Corporation officials informed the administration that the movement of employee buses inside the city is adding to traffic pressure. The Collector directed the Municipal Corporation, Revenue Department, Traffic Police and Transport Department to identify suitable locations on the outskirts of the city for developing dedicated bus stops.

The move is expected to reduce congestion in the city's core areas.

Heavy Vehicle Parking by September 30

To improve traffic management, the administration instructed officials to identify designated parking zones for heavy vehicles by September 30.

Locations identified for the proposed parking facilities include Gharghoda Bypass Road, Banjari Temple area, Punjipathra Road, Tamnar, Rani Sagar Chowk in Kharsia, and Girwani Road.

Officials believe that shifting heavy vehicles to organised parking areas outside congested zones will help reduce traffic bottlenecks and lower the risk of road accidents on national highways.

Crackdown on Illegal Parking

The Collector also ordered strict enforcement against illegally parked heavy vehicles along national highways and major roads.

Departments concerned were directed to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations while accelerating improvement work at identified accident-prone black spots.

Road Safety Campaign Continues

Officials informed the meeting that action against overspeeding vehicles and illegal parking is already underway through the use of interceptor vehicles and speed radar guns.

According to the administration, 3,762 motorists were penalised during the previous year for violating traffic rules.

Authorities also highlighted ongoing initiatives such as joint inspections of accident-prone locations, regular highway patrolling, traffic awareness campaigns in rural areas, street plays, and road safety education programmes in schools.

The district administration said these measures aim to improve road safety, strengthen internal security and ensure better traffic management across Raigarh.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Saturday said preparations for Simhastha-2028 must be planned on a scale that can handle nearly 40 crore devotees, calling the event the world’s biggest religious gathering and urging coordination with neighbouring states to manage the expected rush.

The chief minister was speaking at a one-day workshop on “Simhastha-2016 ka Sankalp, Simhastha-2028 ka Sankalp” after arriving in Ujjain around 11.25 am by helicopter. He inaugurated the session at Anjushree Hotel, where officials reviewed infrastructure plans, departmental responsibilities and lessons from the 2016 Simhastha.

Senior officials who were posted in Ujjain during the 2016 event shared their experiences and discussed the logistical challenges that may arise in 2028. Ujjain Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh made a presentation on the ongoing preparations. Officers from across the state attended the workshop.

Yadav said the last Simhastha had faced traffic bottlenecks in several places and that similar problems must not be repeated. He said the administration should prepare in advance for movement along not just Ujjain’s main routes, but also the wider network connecting the city with nearby districts and states.

“Simhastha-2028 will be the world’s largest mela. If 40 crore devotees are expected, arrangements must be ready at that scale,” the chief minister said, according to officials present at the programme. He added that coordination with neighbouring states would be essential so that pilgrims coming from border areas do not face avoidable disruption.

The chief minister also said that Ujjain is not just a city for a holy dip in the Shipra, but a place where devotees will visit multiple religious sites. For that reason, the state is aiming to restore and upgrade temples across the city and surrounding areas. He said the government has taken up the renovation of all major temples as part of the broader spiritual and civic planning.

Yadav noted that several transport facilities have improved since the 2016 event. He pointed out that the Fatehabad railway track was not operational at the time, but is now available. According to him, road widening has also been carried out on routes that earlier caused congestion.

A major part of the discussion focused on accommodation and movement. The chief minister said government arrangements should be strong enough that pilgrims do not have to depend only on private hotels or buildings. He also said facilities at dhabas and hotels along routes up to 100 km from Ujjain will need to be strengthened to absorb the expected traffic and footfall.

Officials said the workshop was meant to align departments well before the massive religious gathering, which is expected to involve not just crowd management but sanitation, transport, health, security and emergency response systems. The focus, they said, is on avoiding the kind of pressure points seen during earlier editions of the event.

The administration is now expected to move from planning to phased execution, with district and divisional teams preparing detailed action points. The chief minister said the goal is to make Simhastha-2028 “better and historic” with collective effort and coordination across agencies and neighbouring states.

Preparations for Simhastha 2028 in Ujjain are gaining momentum, with authorities planning a technology-driven management system aimed at improving crowd control, traffic regulation and visitor convenience. Officials have announced plans to create a unified digital platform that will provide real-time information related to the Simhastha fair, including transport routes, parking facilities, traffic conditions and access points. The proposed system will cover an area of nearly 250 kilometers around Ujjain, enabling pilgrims and visitors to receive accurate updates before and during their journey. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to use advanced geospatial technology, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to manage one of the world's largest religious gatherings. Authorities believe the platform will significantly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall experience for millions of devotees expected to attend Simhastha 2028.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting held at the Collector's Auditorium in the Emperor Vikramaditya Administrative Complex. Divisional Commissioner and Simhastha Mela Officer Ashish Singh reviewed the progress of preparations with officials and technical experts.

Representatives from the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG) participated in discussions focused on integrating the PM Gati Shakti Platform with advanced geospatial technologies.

Single Platform for Complete Information

Officials said the proposed platform will bring together multiple data sources through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), allowing visitors to access essential information from a single digital interface.

The system is expected to provide real-time updates on train schedules, bus routes, local transport availability, traffic congestion and alternate travel routes. Authorities also plan to include details about parking zones, bathing ghats, entry points, emergency services and communication facilities.

The objective is to ensure seamless movement of pilgrims while reducing congestion across the fair region.

AI and Geo-Mapping Focus

As part of the preparations, a technical presentation was delivered by the Google Cloud team through video conferencing. The presentation focused on the use of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and geo-mapping technologies for large-scale event management.

Officials discussed how AI-powered systems could help monitor crowd density, predict traffic patterns and improve emergency response mechanisms during peak pilgrimage days.

The adoption of modern digital tools is expected to strengthen decision-making and enable faster coordination between administrative departments.

Planning for Large-Scale Crowd Management

Simhastha is one of India's largest religious gatherings, attracting millions of devotees from across the country and abroad. Managing transportation, security and public services for such a large population remains a major administrative challenge.

Authorities believe geospatial technology can play a crucial role in monitoring movement patterns and ensuring efficient utilization of infrastructure. Real-time information sharing is expected to reduce delays and help visitors plan their travel more effectively.

Coordination Between Agencies

During the review meeting, Divisional Commissioner Ashish Singh directed concerned departments to work closely with technical institutions and prepare a comprehensive implementation roadmap.

Officials emphasized that all infrastructure and technology initiatives should be integrated well in advance of the event to ensure smooth operations during the fair.

The administration is also reviewing ongoing development projects linked to Simhastha 2028, including transport networks, public amenities and crowd-management systems.

Rewa gets new police chief

The district has a new police chief. IPS officer Gurukaran Singh officially took over as the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Rewa on Wednesday. Soon after assuming charge, he met with his predecessor, Shailendra Singh Chauhan, for a customary briefing on the district's law and order situation and key policing issues.

A returning officer

Gurukaran Singh, a 2014-batch IPS officer originally from Punjab, is no stranger to the region. "I am returning to Rewa after 11 years," he told reporters. Earlier, he served here as a trainee IPS officer and a station house officer (SHO). That experience, he noted, gives him a crucial ground-level perspective of the district’s unique challenges.

Focus on crime control

Speaking after taking charge, Singh was clear about his immediate priorities. Maintaining better law and order and ensuring effective control over crime will be his primary focus. He did not offer specific operational details but stated that a thorough review of the current situation would be conducted in the coming days.

The outgoing SP's warning

Meanwhile, outgoing SP Shailendra Singh Chauhan, who has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and posted to Bhopal, used his farewell interaction with the media to highlight a persistent problem. Despite Rewa being a divisional headquarters, he said, a shortage of police personnel remains a major hurdle.

“The strength we have is simply not enough for a city of this size and importance,” Chauhan said. He suggested that new recruits from upcoming batches should be posted to Rewa on priority to strengthen the overall system.

Traffic troubles remain

Chauhan also admitted that the city's traffic management continues to be a perennial challenge. According to him, fixing it requires more than just enforcement. “We need better engineering, a clear road map, serious planning, and improved infrastructure,” he explained, passing on the recommendation to his successor.

The former SP credited his team for the positive results in crime control during his tenure. He thanked Rewa’s residents, stating that his experience here would serve as a guide for his future responsibilities in Bhopal. For the new SP, the road ahead involves balancing routine policing with these systemic gaps.

India’s First Free Flow Toll System Goes Live on NH-48 Near Surat

India’s first multi-lane free flow toll system begins operations on NH-48, enabling barrier-free toll collection and faster vehicle movement without stopping.

Barrier-free tolling begins

In a first for the country, India’s multi-lane free flow toll system has gone live on a key stretch of National Highway-48 near Surat, marking a shift away from conventional toll plazas with physical barriers. The system has been activated at the Choryasi toll point on the busy Kamrej–Choryasi section, connecting Surat and Bharuch.

The rollout follows a trial phase that began on February 2, with officials indicating that the system is now fully operational after weeks of calibration and testing.

Tech-led highway upgrade

The new system is built on Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) technology and has been deployed by the National Highways Authority of India as part of a broader push to modernise toll collection.

The initiative falls under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ larger plan to digitise highway infrastructure. According to officials, more than 1,000 toll plazas across India are expected to transition to similar AI-enabled, barrier-less systems over the next two years.

How vehicles are charged

Unlike traditional toll booths, there are no gates or stoppages. Vehicles continue moving at normal speeds while toll charges are automatically deducted.

The system relies on a mix of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and FASTag-based RFID technology. High-resolution cameras mounted on overhead gantries capture number plates, while sensors read FASTag data linked to bank accounts.

Once verified, the toll amount is deducted instantly. For vehicles without an active FASTag, the system identifies the number plate and generates an electronic notice to the registered owner.

‘No need to stop’

Officials say the key idea is simple: remove stoppages entirely. According to the NHAI, vehicles can pass through toll points at speeds of up to 80 km/h without slowing down.

“This barrier-less tolling does not require vehicles to stop. There are no barriers, and toll is deducted automatically as vehicles pass under the gantry,” a senior official familiar with the rollout said.

The move is expected to significantly reduce waiting time, particularly on high-traffic corridors like NH-48, where queues at toll plazas have long been a concern.

Impact on traffic flow

Early observations suggest smoother traffic movement along the stretch, especially during peak hours. Local commuters and transport operators have reported shorter travel times, though authorities say a detailed assessment will follow after a few weeks of full-scale operation.

Reduced idling at toll plazas is also expected to cut fuel consumption. Government estimates suggest that nationwide adoption of such systems could lead to savings of around ₹1,500 crore annually.

Tracking violations digitally

While barriers are gone, enforcement remains strict. Vehicles with insufficient FASTag balance or no FASTag are flagged automatically.

The Indian Highways Management Company Limited issues e-notices to defaulters, giving them a 72-hour window to clear dues. Failure to comply can lead to penalties, including restrictions on vehicle-related services such as registration renewal or ownership transfer.

Officials say the digital tracking mechanism is designed to ensure compliance without disrupting traffic flow.

Nationwide rollout planned

The Surat installation is being seen as a pilot for a wider national rollout. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has earlier indicated that India aims to transition to a fully barrier-free tolling system by the end of 2026.

Authorities believe that apart from easing congestion, the system could improve revenue collection by minimising leakages and increasing compliance. Estimates suggest an additional ₹6,000 crore could be generated annually once the system is scaled up.

For now, all eyes are on the NH-48 stretch near Surat as the country’s first real-world test of barrier-less tolling begins to unfold.

Rewa SP Takes to Streets to Fix Traffic Chaos at Jaystambh Chowk

Rewa SP Shailendra Singh Chauhan personally monitored traffic at Jaystambh Chowk, directing strict action against rule violators to improve city road safety.

The deteriorating traffic situation in Rewa city saw a high-profile intervention on Tuesday morning as Superintendent of Police (SP) Shailendra Singh Chauhan personally took to the streets. In an unexpected move, the SP reached the perennially congested Jaystambh Chowk to lead a special enforcement drive, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward mounting chaos on city roads.

SP leads from the front

The morning rush hour at Jaystambh Chowk, one of Rewa’s busiest intersections, was met with a heavy police presence led by SP Chauhan himself. Instead of a routine inspection, the top cop was seen actively managing vehicle flow and observing the bottlenecks that frequently paralyze the city’s central artery. His presence on the ground sent a clear message to the rank and file of the traffic department regarding the urgency of road management.

Crackdown on traffic violations

During the drive, the SP issued on-the-spot instructions to traffic personnel to penalize commuters flouting basic safety norms. Special focus was placed on those driving on the wrong side of the road, a major cause of accidents in the area. Officers were told to strictly book individuals riding without helmets or driving without seatbelts. The SP emphasized that the primary goal is not just fining citizens, but ensuring that the "No-Entry" zones and lane disciplines are respected to prevent gridlocks.

Direct warnings to commuters

While several challans were issued, the SP also took time to interact with commuters, offering "samajish" or counseling on the importance of road safety. He warned that habitual offenders would face harsher legal consequences. The sudden appearance of the SP caused a stir among local shopkeepers and motorists, leading to a temporary sense of panic, which eventually settled as the traffic flow became noticeably smoother under his direct supervision.

Priority on smooth movement

Addressing the media and personnel at the spot, SP Chauhan noted that maintaining a jam-free city is a top priority for the district police. He pointed out that haphazard parking and the tendency of commercial vehicles to ignore time restrictions contribute significantly to the mess. He has reportedly asked the traffic wing to identify specific "bottleneck points" across Rewa that require permanent deployment or structural changes.

Public cooperation is essential

The SP underscored that police enforcement alone cannot solve the city's traffic woes. "For a better traffic system, the cooperation of the general public is essential," Chauhan stated. He urged citizens to self-regulate and follow signals even when a cop isn't watching. He also hinted that this wasn't a one-off event and that similar surprise inspections would be carried out at other major intersections in the coming days.

Future enforcement plans

The Rewa police department is now expected to intensify its drive against modified silencers and over-speeding within city limits. Following the SP’s field visit, the local traffic police have been put on high alert. Special teams are likely to be deployed during evening peak hours to ensure that the progress made during the morning drive is maintained throughout the day.