Ranchi, May 9: The state capital today embarked on an eight-day journey for ushering in change in the traffic scenario.

Parivartan, a campaign initiated by the traffic department to spread awareness about the need to follow road rules, was launched today at Rajendra Chowk by the traffic superintendent of police (SP) Karthik S.

The drive started with a pledge at 8.30am followed by a rally in which more than 2,000 people, including schoolchildren, traffic policemen, telecom operators, bankers, members of Rotary and Lions Clubs and NGO members, participated.

Carrying placards with messages like "Safety starts with you", "Don't be an angry bird wait for your signal" and "Cycle chalao petrol bachao", the rallyists covered a distance of 10km from Rajendra Chowk to Birsa Munda Football Stadium at Morabadi after making their way through High Court, Over Bridge, Sujata and Bahu Bazar, Kantatoli Lalpur Chowk, Albert Ekka, Shaheed Chowk and Kutchery Chowk.

Students from DAV group of schools, Delhi Public School, St Anthony's, Surendranath Centenary School, St Michael's School and Kairali School had turned out in large numbers.

A few of them were also seen riding bicycles.

"Bicycles are better commute option than vehicles if the destination is nearby. This way, we can avoid jam," said a Class VI student of DAV Public School, Bariatu, Akansha Kumari.

Traffic SP Karthik S. said, "We are looking forward to bringing in changes in the behaviour and attitude of the masses towards traffic rules. We are creating awareness about the importance of following the laws to provide safety on roads. Also, regular fines are being imposed on pillion-riders who don't wear helmets."

He went on to add that for the next eight days, pledge-taking ceremonies would be organised at government offices and other public places.

"The participating organisations will do their bit by organising events like nukkad natak, poster and slogan competition in schools and colleges, health camps and quiz. Apart from these, regular checking drives will be conducted," the SP added.

On the concluding day, that is May 16, people are expected to assemble at Morabadi where they will share their experiences about the campaign and how effective it was.