Women constables lead traffic control in Indore

Indore(K K Jha).In a groundbreaking move, the Indore traffic police have shattered stereotypes by appointing 200 women constables to manage traffic at major intersections across the city. This historic decision marks the first time in Indore and Madhya Pradesh that such a significant number of women have been entrusted with the responsibility of addressing traffic congestion—a challenge exacerbated by the city’s distinction of having the highest number of vehicles per 1000 population in the region.

Challenging the prevailing notion that only male police personnel are capable of managing traffic, one of the women constables emphasized the importance of this initiative in dispelling such misconceptions. Sunita Mandloi, a constable observed overseeing traffic flow at the bustling Regal intersection, expressed a fervent desire for Indore to lead the nation in adherence to traffic regulations, akin to its commitment to cleanliness.

Encountering resistance from unruly motorists is not uncommon, but as Mandloi asserts, the women constables are adeptly trained to handle such situations with tact and resolve.

Echoing her sentiments, Sonali Soni, another trained constable, emphasized the evolving landscape of gender roles within law enforcement. With equal access to training and resources, Soni is determined to exemplify dedication in ensuring motorists comply with traffic regulations.

With meticulous preparation and specialized training, 200 women constables have been strategically deployed to major intersections, a move lauded by their male counterparts for their unwavering commitment to duty.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Raghuvir Singh Meena commended the collaborative efforts of the women constables, affirming their capability to seamlessly integrate and work alongside their male colleagues in managing traffic flow.

This initiative not only underscores the capabilities of women in law enforcement but also heralds a paradigm shift in societal perceptions, paving the way for greater inclusivity and gender equality in public service roles.

The public’s mindset that only male police personnel can control traffic needs to change, one of the women constables said adding that the induction of women constables to control haphazard traffic on the city road will surely help break this myth and mindset. 
A constable Sunita Mandloi, who was seen making motorists strictly follow traffic rules at the busy Regal intersection said. “We want Indore to be number one in the country in following traffic rules, just like cleanliness.”
“Sometimes riders break traffic rules and argue with women constables, but we can deal with them as we have been trained for it,” she added.

Sonali Soni, another constable trained to handle traffic, said, “Now the time has changed. We have to change the mindset of the public that only male police personnel can control traffic. Men and women in the police department are given the same training.”
Soni said she would work with 100 percent dedication and make motorists follow traffic rules.

A traffic police official said 200 women constables have been deployed at the major intersections after special training to handle the city’s traffic. The male traffic police personnel have praised the passion of women constables towards duty, he added.

Assistant sub-inspector in the traffic department, Raghuvir Singh Meena, said, “The women constables are doing a good job of handling traffic. They work side by side with male colleagues.”