Hi-tech traffic police kiosks across 19 locations in Bangalore!

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is setting up snazzy traffic management booths across 19 locations in Bangalore. This is to ensure that the cops are able to rest and insulate themselves from the vagaries of the weather in addition to heavy pollution during peak hours.

According to BBMP Commissioner Anil Kumar, the kiosks are being built under the public-private partnership model. “The kiosk boasts of AC, first-aid box, fire extinguisher, a seating arrangement, potable water, mic, CCTV camera & a biometric door!” says Kumar.

While it’s a laudable move and many residents wanted this to be implemented across the city, some citizens had a few concerns. They don’t want the booths to block views of traffic signals, or become advertising boards that distract the vehicle users and cause mishaps on the roads. “Please ensure that this is not used to stick rental, paying guest, personal loan or any other advertisements,” tweeted one resident. “In fact, no public place should be spoiled with such Ads.”

Some residents wanted to know how much it cost the public to pay for these booths. Lalit had his misgivings: “But why do they stand in the polluted environment? What do they achieve by doing that? Will sitting inside these AC igloos help them perform whatever task they are performing now outside? I don’t think sitting inside and showing hand signals will do any good.” However, Nigam Acharya says, “Costs less than the skin diseases the traffic cops suffer by standing in the polluted environment all day long. Some things even if expensive, need to be done.” The cops suffer from breathing disorders and stress, and it’s well documented in several studies.

Some residents felt that these services are not needed until the basic problems are resolved. Says Sanjeeb, “No need of these services. Please give basic services like good roads, remove unscientific humps, and later do all these ac booths and CCTVs. People need basic services… there are pothole roads everywhere and you are talking about kiosk and ac. Complete waste of public money.” Another resident wanted to know if it’s yet another money-making exercise by the civic body. Says Charana: “Will it be maintained properly? Or just a way to fill the pockets of the contractors and officials?”

KS Madhavan had a constructive idea: “Please implement the Mumbai model. If honking, signal turns red for a minute.” Another resident Jiboy
had this to say: “At the minimum, the kiosk must have a charging point, a direct line to control room for common people to use, and a shared glass so that the men sitting inside are out of direct sun light. I hope those were in the design considerations. Either way, in three months, we will know the usage.”