Gujarat High Court flags severe traffic woes in Ahmedabad, seeks five-year police recruitment plan

The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday reiterated its concern over worsening traffic conditions in Ahmedabad and directed the state government to draw up a long-term recruitment plan for the traffic police, keeping manpower requirements for the next five years in view.

The observations came during the hearing of a suo motu public interest litigation initiated by the High Court on issues related to road infrastructure, accident reduction and traffic regulation in the city. The bench, comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice D N Ray, described the traffic situation as “severe” and “complex”, and underscored the need for structural, not temporary, solutions.

The matter has been adjourned to April, with the court directing the government to submit a response on future manpower requirements.

Court calls current appointments ‘temporary arrangement’

During the hearing, the authorities informed the court that around 450 traffic personnel had been appointed. The court, however, termed this a “temporary arrangement” and stressed the need for a significant increase in the sanctioned strength of the traffic police.

The government further told the court that 650 traffic brigade personnel had been recruited in Ahmedabad in January in connection with traffic and infrastructure management. Of these, 444 have already been appointed, while the remaining are undergoing training at the Gomtipur Police Office.

According to the government, these personnel will be deployed at junctions and key locations and will be equipped with body-worn cameras.

Despite these measures, the bench made it clear that there is a “special need” to augment the traffic police force on a permanent basis. It also sought clarity on how many years have passed since new posts were created in the traffic department. In response, the government stated that 400 new posts have been approved.

Imbalance in deployment across city

The High Court also observed that the deployment of personnel appears uneven. While some areas in Ahmedabad have an excess of traffic staff, other locations have none, the bench noted, indicating gaps in planning and allocation.

The court suggested that Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be used to assist in research and planning related to traffic management and allied issues, signalling openness to technology-driven solutions alongside manpower expansion.

Five-year roadmap sought

Emphasising the need for comprehensive planning, the bench directed the authorities to frame a strategy that takes into account projected requirements over the next five years, rather than relying on ad hoc appointments.

 With the next hearing scheduled in April, the state government is expected to place on record its assessment of long-term manpower needs and the steps proposed to address Ahmedabad’s mounting traffic challenges.