Delhi LG calls for ‘zero compromise’ on traffic management, road safety

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Friday directed the police to maintain “zero compromise” on traffic management and road safety, stressing that smooth movement on the Capital’s roads must remain a non-negotiable priority for citizens.

Sandhu issued the directions while chairing a high-level review meeting with Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar and senior traffic police officers.

The meeting reviewed progress on directions issued during the LG’s previous review on June 29, besides assessing enforcement measures, monsoon preparedness and traffic arrangements ahead of Independence Day.

Waterlogging points decline

Officials told the LG that the number of waterlogging points across Delhi had fallen sharply during the current monsoon season.

Up to August 5, 65 waterlogging points were reported across the city, compared with 194 in 2024 and 169 in 2025.

Locations witnessing repeated waterlogging also declined significantly. While 53 such locations were recorded in both 2024 and 2025, the number has fallen to 20 this year.

Officials said the reduction had contributed to improved traffic movement during the monsoon.

Congestion complaints fall

Data presented during the meeting also indicated a decline in complaints related to traffic congestion.

Calls received on the traffic helpline fell from 701 in July 2025 to 572 in July this year.

Complaints received through social media also declined, from 1,792 in July last year to 1,653 during the corresponding month this year.

The LG reviewed the figures while assessing whether measures introduced by the traffic police had resulted in improvements on the ground.

Wrong-side challans surge

Enforcement against wrong-side driving recorded a substantial increase.

Police issued 3,51,523 challans for wrong-side driving up to July 31 this year, compared with 1,64,365 during the corresponding period in 2025 — an increase of 113 per cent.

Between April 8 and July 31, police also registered 2,321 FIRs against serious offenders involved in wrong-side driving.

Sandhu stressed the need for strict action against dangerous traffic violations, particularly those that pose risks to other road users.

Parking violations targeted

Enforcement against unauthorised parking also increased by 28 per cent.

Traffic police issued 15,36,944 challans for unauthorised parking up to July 31, against 11,94,975 during the same period last year.

Overall challans issued by the traffic police increased from 54.23 lakh to 56.45 lakh, representing growth of nearly three per cent.

Joint foot patrols conducted by traffic and local police resulted in the removal of 399 road encroachments. Police also prosecuted 1,915 cases involving illegal parking.

Residents suggest solutions

The LG also reviewed community outreach undertaken under ‘Project Sangam’.

As part of the initiative, 553 joint meetings were conducted with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and Market Welfare Associations (MWAs) to identify local traffic problems and possible solutions.

Residents submitted 510 suggestions aimed at addressing traffic bottlenecks in their areas.

Of these, 410 have already been implemented, while the remaining 100 have been forwarded to civic agencies as they require infrastructure-related interventions.

Violators get road lessons

Officials briefed Sandhu about the recently launched ‘Traffic Pathshala’ initiative, which combines enforcement with road-safety awareness.

More than 17,400 traffic violators have been counselled at 710 intersections under the programme.

The sessions focus on dangerous practices including wrong-side driving, jumping red lights, triple riding and riding two-wheelers without helmets.

The initiative seeks to discourage repeat violations by educating motorists about the risks associated with unsafe driving behaviour.

Technology aids traffic management

The Delhi Traffic Police has also integrated real-time traffic alerts with Google Maps and MapMyIndia to provide commuters with updated information.

Speed-limit information and warnings about accident-prone zones have also been integrated with the navigation platforms.

Officials said the measures were aimed at providing motorists with timely information while improving traffic management across the city.

Independence Day plans reviewed

Sandhu reviewed the traffic deployment and coordination undertaken during the recently concluded Kanwar Yatra and assessed preparations for Independence Day.

Traffic management around major security arrangements and coordination among different agencies were discussed during the meeting.

The LG directed officers to ensure maximum physical deployment of personnel at major congestion points, particularly during peak traffic hours.

He also called for stringent enforcement against wrong-side driving, riding without helmets, triple riding and red-light jumping, reiterating that road safety and smooth traffic movement should remain among the police’s key priorities.