In Ghaziabad, which sits right next to Delhi, the number of vehicles has shot up so fast that traffic jams have become an everyday headache. Now the police plan to fix the problem not on their own but hand in hand with the city's residents. Ghaziabad police have built a 'Traffic Volunteer Force' made up of ordinary citizens, whose job will be to support the traffic police, cut down road accidents and make people more aware of traffic rules. From now on, these residents will be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with uniformed officers, managing traffic at the city's busiest intersections.
Thousands Applied, Only 504 Made the Cut
Thousands of people in Ghaziabad had come forward to join the drive. The police carried out a careful check of every applicant's background and character, that is, a full police verification. After completing all the required steps, 504 of the most suitable people were picked for the force in the first phase. The team includes educated youngsters, traders, salaried professionals, social workers and responsible citizens linked to various organisations. What stands out is that all of them have joined without any personal gain or greed, purely out of a spirit of social service.
Trained to Clear Jams and Save Lives
All 504 volunteers have been given special training by the Ghaziabad traffic police. They were taught how to smoothly move vehicles stuck in heavy jams, what the road safety rules are, and how to speak with passers-by with warmth and respect. On top of that, they have also been trained in giving first aid to an injured person before an ambulance arrives, so that a life can be saved at the accident scene itself.
Reflective Jackets, Caps and ID Cards for Recognition
To keep these volunteers safe and easily recognisable while on duty, the police department has handed them an official ID card, a bright reflective jacket and a distinctive cap. They will be deployed at the city's busiest intersections, main markets, crowded areas and during festivals. Wherever there is a shortage of traffic police personnel, these volunteers will hold the fort and immediately report any major problem to senior officers.
No Throwing Their Weight Around, No Reels
The police have also laid down some strict and clear rules for the volunteers. No volunteer will be allowed to misuse the dress or ID card to intimidate anyone. While on duty, they must always treat the public with courtesy and respect. There is also a complete ban on using anything official linked to the department to make social media reels or chase popularity.
The Real Test Will Come During Kanwar Yatra
According to DCP Traffic Trigun Bisen, this is entirely a voluntary arrangement aimed at narrowing the gap between the public and the police. He said the character verification and training of all the volunteers is now complete. During the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, when the city draws huge crowds, their services will be used on a large scale. He added that the force will be expanded further in the future as the need arises. Any citizen who wishes to be part of the campaign can submit an application at the traffic police office.
