In the chilling winter of Orange City, the traffic police constables are having a sigh of relief due to Traffic Police Booths installed by Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL) at 78 locations. These traffic police booths are protecting them from the chilling winds, scorching heat and monsoon.
Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development (NSSCDCL) has rolled out a range of projects that are benefiting society and playing a key role in the city’s advancement.
Nagpur, as part of its Smart City initiative, has been making significant strides in improving infrastructure and public services, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its residents while ensuring a more sustainable and efficient urban environment. One of the notable developments under this initiative is the introduction of smart traffic booths which are helping in traffic management systems. These Smart Traffic Booths not only aim to streamline the flow of traffic but also ensure the comfort and safety of traffic police officers.
Nagpur Smart City has installed high-tech, solar-powered 78 traffic booths across the city. These booths provide shelter and a vantage point for traffic constables to manage traffic more effectively, especially during extreme weather conditions such as the scorching summer heat and the heavy monsoon rains & in extreme winters. Traffic Police Booths are equipped with solar panels on the top and have facilities like a fan, first-aid box, fire extinguisher, seating arrangement, potable water, mic and a biometric door. The traffic constables in the booths are equipped with walkie-talkies, allowing them to stay in constant communication with senior officers. Additionally, with cameras installed at key locations throughout the city, senior officers can monitor traffic in real time and provide guidance to constables based on the current traffic situation. This setup proves especially useful during rallies, major events, celebrations, or medical emergencies, as it enables seamless traffic management from the booths, informed Dr Sheel Ghule, General Manager of E-Governance Department of Nagpur Smart City.
Nagpur Smart City Chief Executive Officer Smt. Saumya Sharma Chandak stated that, Smart traffic booths have been designed by Nagpur Smart City with a view to integrate smooth traffic management with convenience for the traffic cops. Traffic personnel have to brave heat, rain and pollution while discharging their duties. The booths provide them with the option of managing traffic from the comfort of the fully- equipped booths, thereby enhancing their output. The concept of the booths has invoked interest from other cities as well, which are looking to replicate the idea.
Shri Archit Chandak, DCP Traffic, Nagpur said, these traffic police booths are extremely helpful for the traffic cops of Nagpur during summer, winter and monsoon season. The constables are using Public Announcement System installed in the booths to regulate traffic system in the city. These booths are for the welfare of the cops and are equipped with all the needed facilities. This helps in professionalism in smart policing from the smart booths.
Pooja Tripathi, a traffic constable with the Maharashtra Police in Sitabuldi, Nagpur, commended the newly installed smart traffic booths, calling them an invaluable asset to her team. “These booths shield us from the intense summer heat and heavy monsoon rains, helping us stay alert and efficient on the roads throughout the year. They allow us to closely monitor traffic conditions and respond quickly to incidents. The ability to communicate directly with drivers from inside the booth significantly enhances both our efficiency and safety,” Tripathi explained. With features like a microphone, two chairs, and a fan, the booths offer a comfortable and functional space, ensuring officers can perform their duties with ease. The solar power setup ensures a sustainable energy source for mobile device charging, illumination, and fan operation, making it a significant step towards improving the working conditions for officers.
“The traffic booth allows us to have a clear view of traffic from a distance. This helps us to spot traffic violations and accidents with ease, enabling us to take action before situations escalate. From inside the booth, we can direct riders to stay behind the zebra crossing and ensure pedestrians walk on the footpath, prioritizing their safety. With the microphone, we continuously monitor riders, reminding them to follow traffic rules. We can also make announcements about helmet usage, road safety, and the importance of slow driving—all without leaving the booth. This system makes traffic management more efficient and manageable,” Vikram Shinde, Traffic Constable, Nagpur Police said.
“In Nagpur, the summer heat is often extreme, and every year, some of our colleagues suffer or die from heatstroke due to prolonged exposure to the harsh weather. These smart traffic booths are a lifesaver, providing much-needed shelter from the sweltering heat. Not only do they protect us from the sun, but they also help reduce the temperature making it much more bearable to work in. This booth significantly improves our comfort and safety, allowing us to focus on our duties without worrying about the harmful effects of extreme heat”and winter, said Ganesh Shelke, Traffic Constable, Nagpur Police.