City condos draw up plans to rein in 2-wheelers, cars
Times of India | 12 August 2026
Kolkata: Housing complexes in New Town and Kolkata have begun tightening traffic regulations within their premises, with several resident welfare associations (RWAs) introducing stricter speed and helmet checks, banning driving lessons and installing guard rails at vulnerable stretches following the death of an 86-year-old resident at Uniworld City last week.
Uniworld City resident Sribas Chandra Ojha was walking with the assistance of an attendant when a car hit him and two others inside the complex last Tuesday. The vehicle, driven by a 47-year-old woman who was allegedly learning to drive, reportedly emerged from a parking area at considerable speed before hitting the pedestrians.
“The incident has left us shaken and prompted us to take some immediate steps. We have installed guard rails at blind turns, major and minor road junctions and entry points where pedestrians are particularly vulnerable. We have sought assistance from West Bengal Traffic Police,” said a senior RWA member of Uniworld City.
The complex has also imposed a speed limit of 20kmph for all vehicles and introduced a “No Helmet, No Entry” policy for outsiders as well as two-wheeler riders entering the complex. The RWA is also planning to constitute traffic task committees comprising association members and residents, including both owners and tenants. The committees will review existing SOP, identify safety gaps and recommend further measures.
“We have to implement the rules strictly without consideration of a person’s social status. Within the society, everyone has equal rights to drive safely and live safely on the campus,” an RWA functionary said.
At Siddha Pines in Rajarhat, the RWA has procured signs indicating speed limits, blind lanes and other traffic-related warnings. “We have put in a complete ban on any sort of practice or learning of driving a car or motorbike inside the complex,” said Manav Mehra, secretary of the complex RWA.
Mehra said residents had been cautioned against speeding and reckless driving within the complex following the accident. The RWA has also installed new lights at several locations that were poorly lit. At South City, RWA members said they had also fixed the speed limit at 20kmph within the complex. “If someone drives above that speed and we catch them, there is a penalty of Rs 1,000. We have also installed road dividers and multiple humps inside the premises,” said Manoj Gupta, a senior RWA member.
Daffodil Heights in Tollygunge has taken steps to restrict the movement of delivery two-wheelers inside the complex. “The delivery agents will have to park their vehicles at a designated area and then walk till the homes,” said Sudip Roychowdhury, a resident. Several housing complexes have also started using resident communication platforms such as MyGate to issue regular traffic advisories and remind residents and visitors about speed limits and pedestrian safety. The associations have also approached traffic officials in New Town and Kolkata seeking advice on improving traffic management inside residential campuses.