The traffic control room in Cuttack. Picture by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, Oct. 13: The toll-free traffic helpline number 1095 has not been of much help to non-BSNL users since it was introduced in 2012.

The aim behind introducing the number was to provide immediate assistance to the commuters in case of any emergency or traffic jam.

“I wanted to lodge a complaint regarding arbitrary parking on road and subsequent congestion at Nayasarak last week. Despite trying several times I could not contact the officials at the modern control room using the traffic helpline number,” said Somya Roy, a commuter and a non-BSNL user.

Many programmes were conducted by the police to promote the helpline number when it was launched. However, this basic problem has persisted despite the number being in use for two years.

“The cops should come up with an alternative landline number where callers from any mobile network can lodge traffic-related complaints,” said Ajay Kumar, another commuter.

When asked, traffic officials admitted the inconvenience and assured to take up the matter with their senior.

“The toll-free helpline number was assigned by the BSNL authorities under a scheme of the Union government. Therefore, it doesn’t permit calls from non-BSNL numbers. This is a problem and I will take it up with my senor officials. However, at present all the calls made to 1095 and 100 are being monitored and timely action is also being taken,” said the traffic assistant commissioner of police P.K. Dalai.

Since it was introduced, 369 calls were received in 2012 while 1,529 calls were received in 2013 and over 1,500 calls have been received till end of September this year. The traffic helpline number has been successful in resolving various grievances and providing immediate assistance to the commuters. All the calls made to 1095 are being recorded to prevent any harassment to the callers.

At present, the 1095 traffic helpline and dial 100 are functioning from the modern control room set up at traffic police station at Madhupatna. All the PCR vans and motorcycle patrolling system are being co-ordinated accordingly as per the emergency calls received at both the numbers.