Traffic Police’s SMS initiative turns out to be a hit

Being a city with a complex road system,Delhi often faces problems involving traffic dislocation and vehicular breakdowns,which affect the smooth movement of traffic. The SMS service helps people avoid problematic areas,which,in turn,makes it easier for the authorities to manage traffic flow more effectively. “The SMS service is a day-in day-out communication service. The SMS service also helped a lot during the Commonwealth Games,when the routes were often diverted due to VIP movements,” said B S Bassi,Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic).

The SMS service also sends information in advance about events,such as political or religious rallies. “In such cases,the service turns out to be really helpful,” said Garg.

Robin George,an employee with a private firm in Gurgaon,swears by the traffic SMS service. “I subscribed to this service a year ago,and it has been very useful. Now,I can plan my route before leaving home,and not get late for office due to traffic jams,” he said.

According to officials,a Bangalore-based firm has been contracted for sending the SMSes. “The company,Gupshup,has been awarded a three-year contract. They have handled it very well till now,” an official said.

Besides the SMS service,the Traffic Police has also created a page on Facebook to facilitate interactions between police and the public. “While the messaging service happens to be one-way communication,things become more interactive on Facebook,” said Garg.