NEW DELHI: The Delhi Traffic Police plays a key role in solving criminal cases across the city, assisting other units, including the local police, in solving approximately 15 cases every month. This is made possible by the traffic unit’s extensive network of over 300 cameras installed throughout the national capital, officials said on Thursday.
According to a senior police officer, requests for help in investigations frequently come from various units of the Delhi Police.
“We have 209 red-light violation detection (RLVD) cameras and 125 over-speed violation detection (OSVD) cameras. Using this technology, our traffic personnel collaborate with the local police or other unit officials to support investigations,” the officer said.
Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chaudhary highlighted the significant role of technology in solving cases, saying, “This technology is helping the police investigate and resolve cases across the city. This is an additional responsibility that traffic personnel handle alongside their core duties of traffic regulation and enforcement.”
In addition to the routine tasks, the Traffic Police is tasked with managing the flow of traffic throughout the city, ensuring smooth vehicular movement, and coordinating with various civic agencies.
“We regulate traffic signals, blinkers, and work to provide clear roads to daily commuters,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic Headquarters) Satyavir Katara.
He added that the traffic police also enforces traffic laws under the Motor Vehicles Act, issuing challans for violations such as overspeeding and red-light jumping via an automated enforcement system.
“About 22,000 challans are issued daily through the OSVD and RLVD cameras, operating 24/7,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic Headquarters) Shashank Jaiswal noted that the traffic unit is also committed to raising public awareness about road safety.
“The unit conducts numerous campaigns focused on the dangers of drunk driving, the importance of wearing helmets and seatbelts and preventing overloading. These awareness drives take place in schools, colleges, and workplaces, featuring engaging activities such as awareness sessions, bike rallies, walkathons, intersection campaigns, and street plays (Nukkad Natak), making the message both interesting and effective,” the DCP said.
The Delhi Traffic Police also tracks and maintains comprehensive accident data through its Crash Research Cell, said officials. This includes details such as the location of accidents, the severity (minor, serious, or fatal), the cause, and vehicle type (private or commercial). This data helps authorities understand accident patterns and take preventive measures.
Moreover, the Traffic Prahari application plays a vital role in involving citizens in maintaining traffic discipline, said police. This app allows the public to report traffic violations by uploading images or videos of offenders.
Solving crimes with cameras and tech
Traffic Police helps solve 15 criminal cases monthly by assisting other units
Operates 300+ cameras, including 209 RLVD and 125 OSVD cameras
Traffic officers collaborate with local police on investigations
Manages traffic flow, signals and issues 22,000 daily challans
Conducts awareness drives on drunk driving, seatbelts and helmets
The Traffic Prahari app lets citizens report violations and earn rewards