Not enough police to man Capital's roads

Sun, May 11 12:05 AM

IT IS no secret that Delhi Traffic Police has been facing staff crunch, but the situation has worsened over the years with the number of traffic policemen not able to match the increasing road length and rising number of vehicles. Will the situation improve by month end when a large batch of constables join the Delhi Police cadre? Earlier this year, Delhi Police Commissioner Y.

S. Dadwal had announced on January 2 that Delhi Traffic Police is likely to get additional hands.

As against the sanctioned strength of 5,100, the department has just about 4,000 people, a clear shortage of more than 1,000, sources said. The sanctioned strength, too, leaves much to be desired, especially in view of the rising number of vehicles on roads.

"Of the existing personnel on roll, on any given day, count out about 15 per cent who are absent as somebody is on leave or somebody has gone for some refresher course, etc.," sources said.

Count out those who are put on VIP route duties from time to time and also those who are posted in the various offices for clerical duties, which effectively leave a very small number to manage the several intersections - busy, small or big - in the capital. Sources said, a batch of more than 2,000 policemen will pass out from the training school on May 15 and join the force by month-end.

However, the number of personnel sanctioned for various departments under Delhi Police has not been decided as yet. Will the top brass see that the traffic police get the much-needed reinforcement?.

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