Traffic cops, home guards bring down road deaths by 42%

Nagpur: The deployment of Home Guards to assist the traffic police has significantly strengthened traffic management in city and contributed to a sharp decline in fatal road accidents. According to data from the Nagpur traffic branch, fatalities in road accidents dropped by 42% between Jan 1 and March 4, 2026, compared to the same period last year.The initiative was taken by DCP (Traffic) Lohit Matani to address increasing pressure on city roads due to the growing number of vehicles and congestion around markets, hospitals, and key junctions. By deploying Home Guards at strategic points across different traffic zones, the traffic department enhanced enforcement and improved discipline among motorists.
Matani said Home Guards were stationed at sensitive and high-traffic locations across the city, particularly in crowded areas and accident-prone stretches. "They support traffic personnel in regulating parking of vehicles, preventing wrong-side driving, and managing vehicular movement during peak hours," he said.This has helped in reducing obstruction on roads and footpaths. Their presence has also improved coordination with towing squads to identify and act against vehicles parked in violation of rules.Wrong-side driving, a common cause of accidents in Nagpur, was another key focus of the initiative. Home Guards were deployed at crucial points such as the district court area, Jamtha T-point, and several other sensitive locations across traffic zones. Making use of barricades and by constant monitoring, they stop vehicles attempting to drive against the flow of traffic and assist officers in enforcing rules. Apart from routine traffic regulation, the Home Guards also assist the police during special enforcement drives aimed at preventing accidents. They participate in nakabandi operations on accident-prone roads, support campaigns against drunk driving, and help keep a tab on speeding heavy vehicles.Traffic police said the additional manpower has enabled them to manage busy intersections more efficiently and respond quickly to violations. The Home Guards effectively acted as a ‘force multiplier', expanding the department's ability to monitor roads and enforce traffic rules across the city. Statistics shared by the traffic police branch indicate that the measures have produced encouraging results. In 2025, deaths in fatal road accidents fell by 25% compared to 2024, marking one of the highest reductions recorded among cities in Maharashtra.The trend continued in 2026. Between Jan 1 and March 4, Nagpur recorded 30 less deaths in road accidents compared to the same period last year, translating into a 42% decline. The initiative also provided opportunities for many young Home Guards, several of whom are preparing for recruitment in the armed forces, police, and other govt services. Working alongside traffic personnel gives them practical exposure to public service, discipline, and crowd management, while also providing a modest honorarium.