Delhi Police to use choppers to monitor traffic by next year, says top cop Bassi

Besides, it has decided to equip 1,000 traffic cops with revolvers in a bid to arm the entire police force against terror threats.

“Choppers will be used for round-the-year aerial surveillance in the national capital mostly to monitor and regulate traffic during peak hours, by next year,” Delhi Police Commissioner B S Bassi said while addressing annual press conference on Monday. 

He added that the proposal for full-time use of helicopters for aerial surveillance has been drafted and will likely be put into operation by next year. “We have planned to take helicopters from Pawan Hans Ltd. on rental basis,” he said.

“We did get positive results so far following the use of choppers on three occasions last year. Now aerial surveillance through helicopters is proposed to be carried for 12 months,” the police chief said. 

Delhi Traffic Police had last year used helicopters for aerial surveillance on three occasions - Durga idol immersion, Diwali eve and security during India-Africa summit. They were rented from Pawan Hans Ltd. and it cost the department around Rs 4.5 lakh for a single-day operation, a police source said.

A proposal for vehicle mounted dash board cameras for motor vehicles of traffic policemen has also been put forward to record traffic violation by motorists and ascertain traffic flow. Traffic policemen in Delhi are so far unarmed. They are often seen engaging in heated arguments with drivers in many places whom are found to be violating traffic rules. The current strength of Delhi Traffic Police is 5,000 including officers.

“These days attacks on policemen have increased. Also, if a traffic policeman is patrolling during late hours, it is very essential that he must be well-equipped. 

Till now, traffic police department does not have weapons. Now, that the announcement has been made by the commissioner, at least 1,000 traffic cops will be equipped with revolver,” said Muktesh Chandra, Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic).