Delhi Police to take help of helicopter to monitor traffic

NEW DELHI: Delhi Police will be taking help of a helicopter in monitoring and regulating traffic in the city on Diwali eve in the wake of severe traffic snarls witnessed around market areas and arterial roads in the city during the festivities.

Today, heavy rush is expected in and around the market areas that include Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazar.

"We shall be using a helicopter for traffic monitoring and regulation to ensure smooth traffic flow," said Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander.

"Two sorties will be conducted using a Pawan Hans helicopter. The live traffic situation will be reported to the control room and the details shall be made available to the public through our helpline," Chander said.

The monitoring shall be done from a lower altitude at Dhaula Kuan in south Delhi and near the Kashmere Gate ISBT in north, Chander added.

Traffic monitoring through helicopter was done for the first time by Delhi Traffic Police on the day of Durga idol immersion in October.

Under this initiative, officials keep watch on the traffic scenario and inform personnel in the field through the wireless system, said a senior official.