Mumbai police commissioner Javed Ahmed with Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and women police constables during the launch of a helpline by the Mumbai traffic police at Worli (Photo: Debasish Dey)
In order to modernise its functions, the Mumbai traffic police has started a dedicated help line number — 8454 999 999 — where the general public can call to receive information on any traffic woes that they face in the city.
Apart from providing crucial live traffic updates, the helpline can also be used to lodge online traffic-related complaints including ones filed against taxi and rickshaw drivers who refuse fares.
Actor Hrithik Roshan inaugurated the call centre for the helpline on Tuesday in presence of Mumbai DG Ahmed Javed.
Joint commissioner of police, traffic, Milind Bharambe said, “Any issues related to traffic in the city will be heard and appropriate information will be provided by the helpline. Also, on making an online complaint against taxis or rickshaw drivers a number will be given to complainants, which can be used by them to keep a track of the given complaint. If we get a good response to this initiative, we will increase the number of persons working in the call centre.”
The call centre has been made inside the Worli traffic HQ and about 35 to 40 people, mostly women, will work in three shifts. At a given time at least 10 persons will be available at the centre to attend calls and respond to requests. A motorist who is traveling from point A to point B can call on the helpline and ask which route has slow traffic and which has heavy traffic movement, enabling him to commute faster.
Traffic police inspector Sriram Koregaonkar said that the helpline number also includes WhatsApp service where motorists can send photographs of traffic violations.
Payal Sheth, head of operations for Ridlr, which created the app, said, “We have provided the traffic police with the application that tells us the traffic situation in the city. We have a tie up with the taxis across the city. The speed at which vehicles move helps us understand whether the flow of traffic is smooth or heavy.”
She further added, “The entire traffic map of the city can be seen on computers inside the call centres. We have given specific colours, which mark the movement of traffic. For example, red symbolises heavy traffic. Our team is helping the traffic police to understand the maps. We will assist them till they are able to handle things on their own.”
