The chanel will provide regular updates on traffic situation at various points, which will help people avoid the long queues like this one above

March 23: Facing the music while caught in a traffic jam? Jokes apart, a joint move by city traffic police and a private FM network will stop road blues particularly for the office-goers.

The FM station, ready to make its debut by early next month, will give them traffic updates.

Superintendent of police (traffic) R.K. Barua said a reputed private FM network, which would set up a station in the city, had offered free slots to air traffic updates during rush hours.

To soothe frayed nerves of the huffing office-goers during rush hour, nuggets of information will be provided in between songs, advertisements and other entertainment programmes.

“ Our station has other utilities like weather updates along with time checks and health tips,” a spokesman for the FM network said.

Barua said the updates would include details about rally routes besides information on roadblocks, traffic diversions and special traffic arrangements during festive times.

“The listeners will be also kept regularly informed about which roads to avoid.”

According to Barua, the existing system of providing traffic updates through SMS had its own limitations.

“We cannot send more than 150 words through SMS while the FM radio will help us get access to the listeners,” he explained. The FM network also has plans to have radio jockeys who will interact with traffic constables manning busy intersections and seek feedback from them. .Barua said police would request the transport department to make installation of FM radio compulsory in commercial vehicles like autorickshaws and city buses.

City’s traffic police will soon launch a website developed by the National Informatics Centre. “We want to make it interactive. The people can send suggestions and lodge their complaints online after the website is launched,” Barua said. The website will be divided into two parts. “ One part will provide vital information about the department, including important telephone numbers and safety rules. The other part will contain data on fine collection, accidents and these will be updated at regular intervals,” Barua said.