On November 10, 2025, Bengaluru’s City Police Commissioner, Seemanth Kumar Singh, made a significant announcement regarding traffic management and enforcement policies in the city. Speaking at the #THTalksBengaluru event, he emphasized a shift in approach towards ensuring smooth vehicular movement rather than focusing on penalizing motorists through document verification and fines. His clear directive to the traffic police was that flagging down vehicles solely to check documents is illegal and any personnel engaging in this practice would face disciplinary action.
Commissioner Singh highlighted that the primary responsibility of the traffic police is to facilitate the free flow of traffic, particularly during the notoriously congested morning and evening peak hours. He firmly stated, “No one should be troubled over documents,” underlining the department’s intention to move away from what many perceive as routine harassment or revenue-driven enforcement. Instead, the focus would be on operational efficiency and public convenience. To enforce this new policy, he has instructed the Joint Commissioner (Traffic) to monitor and take action against any officer who stops vehicles for document checks.
Another important change announced was the planned reintroduction of towing services in Bengaluru, but under a revised mechanism. The towing vehicles are currently being produced and will be provided by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). Rather than deploying these towing services citywide, the police will concentrate their efforts on high-density traffic corridors where congestion is severe, aiming to clear illegally parked vehicles that obstruct traffic flow. This targeted approach is expected to improve traffic conditions without overwhelming resources.
To further combat congestion caused by illegal or obstructive parking, the city police have increased deployment of personnel on motorcycles, known as “cobra beat” officers, specifically in these high-density corridors. Their role is to ensure that vehicles do not park in a manner that blocks traffic, especially during peak hours when road capacity is most strained.
Commissioner Singh also shared insights from a recent study conducted by the traffic police on the placement of bus stops across Bengaluru. The study identified over 100 bus stops that are unscientifically located, often positioned in narrow road stretches, near busy junctions, traffic signals, or flyovers, contributing to traffic congestion. For example, a bus stop on Airport Road is currently situated at the narrowest portion of the highway, exacerbating bottlenecks. The police have formally requested the GBA to relocate these problematic bus stops either forward or backward to reduce traffic disruptions. This collaborative effort highlights the commitment to improving road infrastructure and traffic flow through better planning and coordination.
Addressing concerns about the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses violating traffic rules, Commissioner Singh stated that the traffic police regularly share lists of violations and offending buses with the BMTC Managing Director. This ongoing communication is intended to hold public transport accountable and improve overall traffic discipline on the roads.
One noteworthy topic of public interest has been the involvement of traffic police personnel in filling potholes, an activity that had caught public attention in recent times. Commissioner Singh stated that such instances have significantly decreased recently. He attributed this improvement to the enhanced coordination brought about by the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the restructuring into five city corporations. This decentralization has made cooperation between traffic police and civic agencies more efficient and responsive.
Previously, coordination was challenging because the entire city fell under the jurisdiction of a single civic body, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), making it difficult for the traffic police to coordinate effectively. Now, each Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) liaises directly with their respective corporation commissioners, streamlining communication and action. At the citywide level, all key agency chiefs, including Commissioner Singh himself, participate in a WhatsApp group that also includes the Chief Secretary. This digital platform allows for real-time issue flagging and quicker resolutions, demonstrating how technology is aiding governance and administrative efficiency.
In summary, Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh’s announcements mark a significant shift in Bengaluru’s traffic management philosophy. Moving away from punitive document checks towards a focus on easing traffic flow, improved coordination between agencies, and targeted interventions like strategic towing and bus stop relocations, the city aims to tackle its chronic congestion problems more effectively. The deployment of more cobra beat officers and better communication channels between the police and civic bodies are expected to enhance enforcement and responsiveness on the ground.
This new approach reflects a growing understanding among Bengaluru’s administrators that sustainable urban traffic management requires collaboration, smart resource allocation, and citizen-friendly policies. By prioritizing smooth movement over fines, improving infrastructure