PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Dehradun has observed a decline in police personnel recruitment for traffic management from 411 in 2017 to only 269 in 2025. Due to the shortage of force, the police have not deployed traffic personnel in areas like Vikasnagar and Mussoorie, while Rishikesh has only limited staff for traffic duties. The Dehradun district police officials shared this issue with additional director general (Crime and Law and Order) V Murugesan during a review meeting held on Wednesday. During the meeting, the officials informed that the police identified 20 bottleneck points in the district that require additional deployment. They also highlighted that internal roads face constant congestion due to construction work by PWD, UPCL, GAIL and the Jal Sansthan. Due to the large number of events, VIP duties and regular traffic pressure from nearly 12 lakh registered vehicles, the department often diverts additional force from police stations for traffic duties, as per the officials. The traffic wing also presented details on the current traffic system, enforcement equipment and the pressure on manpower. The police informed that the district currently operates with three interceptor vehicles, three highway patrol units, two bullet interceptor motorcycles, 26 motorcycles, three speed radar guns, 70 alco-meters, 345 e-challan machines, 62 body-worn cameras and five handy cameras. Officials reported that the district handled 4,145 processions, rallies and demonstrations and 38 fairs and festivals in 2024. This year, 2,653 such events and 32 fairs have taken place. The police also managed four VVIP and 2,825 VIP visits in 2024, while 2025 has already recorded six VVIP and 2,575 VIP movements. After reviewing the situation, Murugesan directed officers to expand action against drunk driving and overspeeding through special flying squads and ensure licence cancellation reports for offenders. He asked station in-charges to monitor peak-hour traffic themselves, improve visibility of force and prepare targeted plans to reduce congestion. The police department will also work towards more recruitment as per the requirement, he added.
