Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar outlined plans to tackle city’s persistent traffic congestion issues and enhance urban safety. A proposal for synchronizing traffic signals at major intersections has been submitted to the state government. If approved, this initiative will incorporate radar-based technology to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion effectively.
Currently, Pune is monitored by 1,500 CCTV cameras, with an additional 2,800 cameras slated for installation. The new system, backed by advanced technology, will enable police to monitor traffic patterns and identify violations more efficiently.
“The synchronization of traffic signals is a priority, and we are awaiting government approval. Additionally, advanced radar-based technology will be employed to understand real-time traffic dynamics and address problem areas swiftly,” said Kumar.
Key agencies, including the Pune Municipal Corporation, PMRDA, and MahaMetro, are coordinating efforts to address bottlenecks at identified locations. Kumar assured that resolving traffic congestion and related issues would remain a top priority in 2024.
On road safety, Kumar noted a 20-25% reduction in serious accidents compared to previous years, attributing the improvement to consistent monitoring and enhanced measures.
Crime Control and Juvenile Counseling Initiatives
Commissioner Kumar also emphasized the importance of law enforcement in maintaining order. Highlighting recent actions under the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA), Kumar revealed that 700 gang members had been released on bail, with preventive actions ongoing under the MPDA.
“A strict watch is being kept on habitual offenders, and counseling sessions with parents of juveniles involved in crimes have been initiated. This year, there has been a noticeable decline in serious crimes such as murder and attempted murder,” Kumar stated.
He assured that the police remain committed to ensuring safety and order through a combination of technology, preventive action, and community engagement.