In new year, cops launch drive to sort out parking, road infra issues in central biz dist
Times of India | 5 January 2026
Kolkata: The city traffic police began the new year by demarcating illegal parking lots at Dalhousie and finalising spots that require median railings to stop jaywalking and accidents. The final inspection was carried out on Wednesday.
The broad plan was finalised in the last District Safety Committee meeting on Dec 27, when DC (traffic) Shrikant Jagannathrao Yeilwad requested KMC for installation and repairs of pedestrian barriers on major roads of Head Quarter Traffic Guard, like Hemanta Basu Sarani, NS Road, and RN Mukherjee Road.
"Yeilwad requested PWD to arrange a joint visit with the OC, South Traffic Guard, and the Army to resolve the issues and obtain the NoC to install gates at the cut-outs on both sides of the parapet wall along Red Road to prevent jaywalking," an officer said.
Kolkata Traffic Police has launched a drive to improve circulation in the central business district, especially Dalhousie. Initially, cops from Headquarter Traffic Guard chose three stretches — a section of Netaji Subhas Road, a stretch of India Exchange Place area, and Bentick Street. "We began patrolling and kept an eye out for haphazard parking. The idea is to stop two- and three-lane parking. This ensures smooth circulation of cars," an officer said.
However, a quick tour of the area by TOI showed that illegal parking is still rampant— from parking on pavements to blocking entrances of offices. "It will need both technical as well as human surveillance to drill discipline into motorists and bikers. We need to collect hefty fines," a sergeant said.
Local businesses and commuters have had mixed reactions to the drive. While some appreciated the efforts, others are concerned about the potential inconvenience and "excesses" by cops. Another group believes the drive will fizzle out after the IPL season. "The drive is being done only to ensure better traffic flow around Eden Gardens," said Viraj Singh, a trader on NS Bose Road.