With the failure of SMS alert system to inform people about traffic congestion on city roads, the Chandigarh Police will now tie up with All India Radio (AIR) and other FM stations.
The police will send the message through FM stations informing the public about roads having heavy flow of traffic in the city at different intervals.
UT SP (traffic) Maneesh Chaudhry said, “We are tying up with a couple of FM stations functional in the city for reaching maximum residents, who will be informed about traffic jams and busy roads at regular intervals.”
He added that the initiative was being taken to avoid inconvenience to the city residents so that they could avoid taking the roads which were having heavy traffic flow.
The announcements would be made during peak traffic hours in the morning and evening and in case of any protest or other reasons for traffic congestion.
Chaudhry said the initiative was on the coordinating stage and was expected to be implemented within a fortnight.
The Chandigarh Police last year launched an SMS alert service for traffic updates. It was done through an SMS portal - “GupShup”. But the scheme failed to be a success in the city as residents could not subscribe to it due to “do-not-disturb service”, which is activated for ignoring unwanted messages on mobile phones.
{{/usCountry}}The Chandigarh Police last year launched an SMS alert service for traffic updates. It was done through an SMS portal - “GupShup”. But the scheme failed to be a success in the city as residents could not subscribe to it due to “do-not-disturb service”, which is activated for ignoring unwanted messages on mobile phones.
{{/usCountry}}As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) guidelines, messages which are not personal in nature and are commercial are debarred on your mobile inbox if you subscribe to the “do-not-disturb” facility.
Turn on the radio
Through FM stations the residents will receive information on traffic congestion, diversions due to accidents, water logging, repair work, VVIP movements, road blocks, political rallies, etc. The information will help residents to avoid these roads.