ORIGINAL IDEA

The kiosks were designed to provide shelter to traffic personnel during rain and help commuters who fell ill on the road. Basic first aid was supposed to be available at the posts and commuters could submit their traffic-
related complaints and suggestions there.

THE COST

Setting up a new traffic aid post will cost around Rs 1 lakh. Though the plan is more about renovation than new kiosks, some old ones are so damaged that they need to be rebuilt.

PRESENT STATE

Around a dozen traffic aid posts were set up near important traffic intersections in the city to provide basic amenities to traffic personnel. Most of these are now lying defunct. While some of these kiosks have been damaged, others have become non-functional due to manpower crunch. 

COPS’ DEMAND

The revamp move comes after traffic personnel demanded that the kiosks be made functional. 

“We are supposed to manage traffic standing for hours at a stretch. The kiosks could be of help if they are able to store drinking water and would also come handy during rain,” said a woman traffic constable.

THE PLAN 

Several traffic aid posts, which have been set up in Bhubaneswar to help commuters and double up as rest sheds for traffic 
personnel, will get a new makeover with the police planning to revamp them in public-private partnership mode.

Police commissioner R.P. Sharma said: “We are exploring the possibility of renovating these structures. We will also seek assistance from some private business houses.”

“The renovated kiosks would have facilities such as VHF sets (walkie-talkie), drinking water facilities and first aid,” said Sharma.

WHY NOW?

The kiosks assume significance in summer as they can be used to provide preliminary treatment to victims of sunstroke. Senior police officials in the traffic wing said the traffic aid posts would also be extremely beneficial for traffic personnel. “We deploy two personnel at major intersections to manage traffic. When one person is on duty, the other can take rest in the traffic aid posts. It is a big problem for us when the kiosks are defunct,” said a senior police official.