Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
A different road show
IT WAS a unique sight at the Periyar junction the other day. Along with the usual pair of Khaki-dressed police manning the traffic, one saw a fairly big group of men sporting saffron jackets and quite like professionals directing the traffic. It was indeed a relief crossing the junction in the otherwise chaotic area.
Driving past one wondered whether it was some newly-formed brigade of the police department tackling the uncontrolled traffic. Soon doubts were put to rest as enquiries revealed that the men were a part of the TVS in social service unit. The happy news is that they would be around at the junction for another two months to bring some order in the traffic and also perhaps ease the load off the traffic personnel. And not only that, in the process they would surely be making a dent in the minds of conscientious citizens as how each one of us can contribute by following traffic norms.
The idea to involve a company's employees for a social cause of this nature is grand indeed. "Our company has been associated with several other service programmes and this is in continuation with our social responsibility", Mr.Venkateshwaran, Manager (Systems) of TVS Sons & Ltd, Madurai, said when contacted.
Though the leader of the traffic team himself, he said the idea actually came from the company's Executive Director, Dinesh, during a recent in-house meeting. The concept went down well with the employees and soon a traffic management team was formed with eager employees volunteering to be a part of this novel exercise.
However, 25 employees were taken who immediately swung into action obtaining permission from the Police Commissioner, who promptly deputed an Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Mr.N.Soundararajan, to impart some basic knowledge required while on job.
Given the traffic intensity, Periyar Junction was chosen as the first trial crossing for the inexperienced but enthusiastic team. And Day One, February 5, proved to be quite a testing time for the novices. Haphazard parking, buses halting on the middle of the road, pedestrians simply hopping and jumping across roads without bothering about the moving traffic, the speeding motorists, the zig-zag rushing autorickshaws, the irritating cyclists just popping up from nowhere in busy lanes - the team surely was unaware of what was in store for them!
But they did not run away frightened. Rather, after understanding the magnitude of the problem, they decided to go full steam and assist the traffic cops to the best of their ability. Nearly 10 days into the job, the difference the team has brought in can already be seen and felt. There are no traffic snarls, vehicles flow in a smooth order and pedestrians too cross over trouble free.
The outcome has led to mutual admiration now. While the traffic cops are definitely happy about the help is coming the TVS team remains ever grateful for the police cooperation. "Whenever we suggest something, if found suitable they implement it instantly. The police on the beat are helping us by immediately warning the violators over the speaker. This is a great booster because the people then take us really seriously,"says Mr.Venkateswaran.
The schedule of this `TVS traffic brigade' is hectic. After a day's work in office, they don the mantle of a traffic cop after office hours from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. It is not easy to overnight instil a sense of road rules in peoples' mind who have become so used to unruly traffic, admit the team members. In fact, one of them in a lighter moment recalled the popular comedian Vivek's comments about the driving style of motorists in a film which goes like this -- "we will switch on the right indicator, show a left hand signal and then misguide all by zooming off straight."
The TVS team sees such confusion in action at the Periyar junction. Not only the vehicles show complete disregard for traffic rules, even the pedestrians quite shockingly and unmindful of the traffic around walk in the middle of the road causing difficulty in traffic movement. The team members found the two-wheelers and the cyclists to be the major violators of traffic rules while Government buses have a penchant for parking simply where they want.
"When we catch somebody jumping signals or not adhering to speed or lane rule, we request them not to repeat such mistakes knowingly or unknowingly. We explain to them the risks involved and try to brief them on road safety," said the team members further sharing that soon they would be distributing pamphlets containing all information about road rules, traffic signs and other details to be kept in mind while driving. To encourage people, the group also plans to give away spontaneous prizes to people who correctly answer on-the-spot questions.
Expressing happiness about the way the idea has caught on, Mr. Soundararajan, said, he was proud of his team's performance and glad that the public is not only noticing but also benefitting from the programme.
One wishes other corporate houses too take the cue and launch similar exercises in order to make mobility within the city an enjoyable experience and tension free.
M.R. ARAVINDAN
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
Visakhapatnam
|
