Daily writing prompt
When will you go back the last time you took a risk? How did it work?
By Shashikant Nishant Sharma
In the context of the increase in urban traffic problems in India, cities like Chandigarh and Kolkata have taken proactive measures to solve one of the most persistent problems on their roads. With the growing number of vehicles and increasing traffic congestion, urban security has become a critical problem. The authorities of these two cities have explored and implemented a range of solutions to reduce vehicle speeds and encourage safer driving behavior.
Chandigarh: a model for speed management
Chandigarh, often considered one of the most planned cities in India, was at the forefront of urban traffic management. Recognizing the threats posed by high -speed driving, in particular on large arterial roads and sectors designed for rapid movement – the Chandigarh traffic police launched a complete speed reduction strategy.
Key interventions included:
- Speed cameras installation: High-resolution automated speed detection cameras have been deployed at key intersections and vulnerable points to catch offenders and generate E-Challans in real time.
- Disguel and soothing measures of the road diet: The city has experienced the narrowing of the track, the installation of rumble strips and raised pedestrian crossings. These measures aimed to naturally reduce the speeds of the vehicle by modifying the driver's perception and by applying conformity.
- Intensive awareness campaigns: Thanks to social media, radio and public engagement programs, the authorities educated drivers – in particular young motorists – on the risks of speed and legal consequences.
- Speed limits and zoning: Specific areas such as school zones, hospitals and high-polestres areas have been designated with reduced speed limits (20–30 km / h) and have been closely monitored for application.
The result was a significant reduction in speed -related accidents, especially in school zones and near the markets. In addition, citizens' comments have revealed an improved security perception, encouraging more people to walk and cycle.
Kolkata: Integrate security in urban chaos
Kolkata presents a different urban context. With a dense urban fabric, a strong dependence on public transport and narrow and crowded streets, the management of traffic speeds is both critical and difficult. Kolkata traffic police have adopted a multi-formidable approach to deal with these problems.
Key initiatives included:
- Adaptive signal systems and traffic draft zones: The use of intelligent traffic lights has helped to reduce the speeds of the vehicle without causing excessive delays. In addition, dedicated “calm zones” have been created in sensitive areas like Park Street and Esplanade.
- Increased application and penalties: Mobile speed radars and a larger number of traffic police were deployed during peak hours to catch and dissuade vehicles at speed.
- Infrastructure changes: Speed breaking, median barriers and pedestrian islands have been built in areas subject to accidents to slow traffic and make pedestrian passages safer.
- Public-private partnerships (PPP): Kolkata has engaged with local NGOs and technological companies to deploy awareness campaigns, safety audits and behavioral change programs, in particular to target business vehicle drivers and two -wheeled users.
Interestingly, the city also focused on improving the conditions of pedestrian infrastructure, which has indirectly discouraged high -speed driving by giving the road to non -motorized users.
The way to follow
Chandigarh and Kolkata show how Indian cities, despite the difference in scale and structure, can adopt innovative solutions to curb speed and improve urban road safety. What stands out is their commitment to combine the application with education and infrastructure adjustments. These strategies align with the Sure system approach Promoted by world road safety executives, which emphasizes shared responsibility and systemic thinking.
While India continues to urbanize and motorization rates are climbing, these initiatives led by the city serve as important examples to the others to follow. By promoting a safer driving and design cultivation that prioritizes human life at speed, urban India can get closer to its zero vision ambitions – eliminating serious deaths and injuries on roads.
References
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Dehalwar, K. and Sharma, SN (2025). Fundamentals of the appreciation of areas and perceptions of space.
Lodhi, AS, Jaiswal, A., and Sharma, SN (2025). Evaluate the satisfaction of bus users using discreet choice models: a case of bhopal. Innovative infrastructure solutions,, 9(11), 1-27.
Sharma, SN, Kumar, A. and Dehalwar, K. (2025). Precursors of transit oriented development. EPW Economic & Political Weekly,, 59(16), 14.
Sharma, SN and Dehalwar, K. (2025). Fundamentals of planning and design of housing.
Sharma, SN and Dehalwar, K. (2025). Evaluate the development and transit -oriented travel behavior of residents of developing countries: a case of Delhi, India. Journal of Urban Planning and Development,, 151(3), 05025018. https://doi.org/10.1061/juppddm.upeng-5468
Tiwari, G. and Mohan, D. (2022). Road safety in India and Zero vision. In The Vision Zero manual: theory, technology and management for a policy of zero victims (pp. 1-39). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
Verma, A., Sreenivasulu, S., and Dash, N. (2011). Realization of the sustainable transport system for Indian cities – problems and problems. Current science1328-1339.
