Siliguri Police Deploy Drones to Tackle Traffic Congestion at Key City Junctions
Facing increasing traffic congestion across major corridors, the Siliguri Police Commissionerate has introduced drone-assisted surveillance to study traffic movement, identify violations, and implement targeted solutions. The initiative marks a shift toward technology-driven traffic management as authorities seek data-backed interventions to ease bottlenecks and improve road discipline in one of North Bengal’s busiest urban centres.
The drone operations, conducted over multiple days, focused on critical junctions and arterial routes that experience heavy traffic throughout the day. Officials said the aerial monitoring is designed not only to detect violations but also to understand structural and behavioural causes behind recurring traffic jams.
Drone Surveillance Rolled Out Across High-Traffic Zones
As part of the special drive, drones were deployed over areas including Darjeeling More, Junction, Champasari, Dagapur, City Centre, Venus More, Sevoke More, Panitanki More, Hospital More, and Court More. These locations serve as vital links between national highways, commercial hubs, and residential neighbourhoods, making them particularly vulnerable to congestion during peak hours.
Using real-time aerial footage, traffic personnel monitored vehicle flow on national highways and major intersections. The exercise revealed several common issues contributing to slow movement, including illegal passenger transport on restricted routes, lane indiscipline, and pedestrians crossing roads without following traffic signals.
Officials said the drone footage provides a comprehensive view that is difficult to obtain through ground-level monitoring alone, especially at complex junctions with multiple entry and exit points.
Violations Detected, Enforcement Action Taken
During the drone-assisted monitoring, authorities identified toto vehicles illegally carrying passengers on national highways, a practice prohibited due to safety concerns and its impact on traffic flow. Fines were imposed on violators, and traffic challans were issued to two-wheeler riders found driving in the wrong lanes or ignoring lane discipline.
Pedestrians were also advised to comply with traffic signals and use designated crossings to reduce the risk of accidents and delays. Traffic officials noted that non-motorised road users play a significant role in overall traffic safety and efficiency.
According to the traffic department, enforcement will continue alongside awareness efforts to ensure that road users understand and follow regulations consistently.
Darjeeling More Identified as Major Choke Point
One of the key findings from the drone surveillance was the situation at Darjeeling More, which has emerged as a major congestion point. Authorities attributed the problem largely to ongoing road expansion and infrastructure work in the area, which has reduced available road space and altered traffic patterns.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Kazi Samsuddin Ahmed said the department is using drone footage to pinpoint the exact causes of congestion at Darjeeling More. “We are collecting aerial footage at regular intervals to understand how traffic builds up and where interventions are needed,” he said, adding that recordings will be reviewed every two hours to assess changing conditions throughout the day.
The data collected will help officials decide where to deploy traffic personnel, adjust signal timings, or introduce temporary diversions to manage congestion more effectively.
Restrictions and Structural Changes Announced
Based on initial findings, the traffic department announced restrictions on the movement of toto vehicles along certain stretches. The operation of totos from Champasari to City Centre in the Matigara area will remain prohibited to prevent congestion on busy routes.
In addition, authorities plan to introduce designated pickup and drop-off zones for passenger vehicles to reduce roadside stopping, which often disrupts traffic flow. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against drivers who ignore the new arrangements or violate traffic rules.
Senior officers emphasized that these measures are part of a broader strategy to streamline traffic rather than isolated enforcement actions.
Expansion of Drone Monitoring to Other Junctions
Following the initial operation at Darjeeling More, drone surveillance was extended to other high-density areas, including Venus More, Hospital More, Court More, Sevoke More, and Panitanki More. The traffic department said each location presents unique challenges, ranging from pedestrian-heavy zones near hospitals and courts to long-distance traffic near border routes.
The aerial footage from these areas is being analysed to determine whether road design changes, additional signage, or increased enforcement is required. Officials said the use of drones allows for quicker assessment and faster decision-making compared to traditional surveys.
Senior Officials Oversee the Drive
The drone-assisted operation was led by DCP (Traffic) Kazi Samsuddin Ahmed, with the presence of senior officers including Additional Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Majumdar and Assistant Commissioner Anirban Majumdar, along with traffic personnel on the ground. Their involvement underscored the importance being placed on the initiative.
Siliguri Police officials indicated that the findings from the surveillance will be shared internally to refine traffic management plans and may also inform long-term urban transport planning in coordination with civic authorities.
A Step Toward Smarter Traffic Management
Siliguri’s rapid urban growth, increasing vehicle numbers, and ongoing infrastructure projects have made traffic management a growing challenge. Authorities believe that integrating technology such as drones can help bridge gaps in monitoring and enforcement while offering a clearer understanding of on-ground realities.
As drone surveillance continues across key junctions, the traffic department aims to combine enforcement with structural improvements and public cooperation. Officials say sustained monitoring, coupled with compliance from road users, will be essential to achieving smoother and safer traffic movement in the city.
