New Delhi – Nearly five years after Delhi Police’s traffic wing was divided into two separate zones, the Delhi traffic police reunification has been officially announced, bringing the unit back under a single command structure. The Delhi government’s home department issued transfer orders on Friday, confirming that the traffic department will once again be headed by one special commissioner-level officer in a move approved by the lieutenant governor.
The Delhi traffic police reunification represents a significant administrative reshuffle aimed at improving coordination and addressing persistent traffic management challenges that have plagued the national capital. This major organizational change reverses a decision made during former commissioner Rakesh Asthana’s tenure in 2020.
Neeraj Thakur Appointed as Special Commissioner
Senior IPS officer Neeraj Thakur from the 1994 batch has been appointed special commissioner of police (Traffic) as part of the Delhi traffic police reunification. Thakur’s appointment effectively ends the dual-zone structure that had been in place since 2020, when the traffic unit was bifurcated with two special commissioners overseeing separate zones.
“It was during Rakesh Asthana’s tenure as commissioner that the traffic unit was bifurcated, with two special commissioners overseeing separate zones. Now, the home department has reversed that decision, restoring unified command,” confirmed a senior police officer familiar with the Delhi traffic police reunification process.
Previous Leadership Reassigned
Until the Delhi traffic police reunification, IPS officers K Jegadesan (1998 batch) and Ajay Choudhary (1996 batch) jointly headed the traffic unit. Under the new administrative order, both officers have been reassigned to different critical positions within the Delhi Police hierarchy.
Jegadesan has been appointed special CP (Protective Security Division) and will also serve as managing director of the Delhi Police Housing Corporation Ltd (DPHCL). Meanwhile, Choudhary will assume the role of special CP (Vigilance Division) with additional charge of Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC).
Strategic Objectives Behind Reunification
Officials aware of the Delhi traffic police reunification decision indicated that the move may be strategically aimed at improving coordination and addressing persistent traffic management issues throughout the capital. These challenges range from congestion on arterial and VIP routes to lapses in staff deployment during peak hours and festive seasons.
The Delhi traffic police reunification is expected to streamline decision-making processes, eliminate potential communication gaps between zones, and create a more cohesive approach to managing the city’s increasingly complex traffic situation. With Delhi’s vehicular population continuing to grow, unified leadership could prove crucial for implementing comprehensive traffic solutions.
Comprehensive Administrative Reshuffle
The Delhi traffic police reunification forms part of a broader administrative reshuffle spanning IPS batches from 1993 to 2016. This extensive reorganization includes several other key appointments across various departments within the Delhi Police establishment.
Robin Hibu from the 1993 batch has been appointed special CP (Human Resource Division), while Rajesh Khurana (1994 batch) now heads the Provision and Finance Division. These appointments complement the Delhi traffic police reunification by ensuring experienced leadership across multiple departments.
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Senior Officers’ New Assignments
Devesh Chandra Srivastava (1995 batch) continues as special CP (Crime) and has been given additional charge of Perception Management and Media Cell. David Lalrinsanga (1995 batch) has been appointed special CP (Operations – PCR and Communication) with additional charge of Special Police Unit For North-Eastern Region (SPUNER).
The Delhi traffic police reunification was accompanied by the appointment of Anil Shukla (1996 batch) to lead the Special Cell while also overseeing the Tech and PI Division. Manish Kumar Agarwal (1996 batch) becomes special CP (Intelligence Division) with additional responsibility for Public Transport Safety.
Mid-Level Leadership Changes
Atul Katiyar (1997 batch) remains special CP (Welfare Division) with added charge of Licensing and Legal Division. The administrative restructuring that accompanies the Delhi traffic police reunification also affects mid-level leadership positions.
Vijay Kumar (2007 batch) will now serve as joint CP (CP Secretariat and OSD to CP/Delhi), while Rajiv Ranjan Singh (2010 batch) becomes additional CP (Eastern Range). These appointments ensure continuity in operational management while supporting the broader objectives of the Delhi traffic police reunification.
Junior Officers’ Appointments
The Delhi traffic police reunification extends to junior officer levels as well. IPS officers Rohit Rajbir Singh (2015 batch) and Vikram K Porwal (2016 batch) have been appointed DCPs in the CP Secretariat for Crime and Administration, respectively. These appointments bring fresh perspectives to various departments while maintaining institutional knowledge.
Expected Impact on Traffic Management
The Delhi traffic police reunification is anticipated to have significant positive impacts on traffic management across the capital. By centralizing command, the department can more effectively coordinate responses to traffic incidents, implement city-wide policies, and allocate resources based on real-time needs rather than zone-specific considerations.
Traffic experts suggest that the Delhi traffic police reunification could lead to better enforcement of traffic rules, more consistent application of regulations across the city, and improved communication between traffic personnel and other police units. The unified command structure may also facilitate faster implementation of technology-driven solutions for traffic management.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The Delhi traffic police reunification marks a return to the organizational structure that existed before 2020. The previous bifurcation was implemented with the intention of bringing specialized focus to different areas of the city, but the dual-zone system apparently created coordination challenges that outweighed its benefits.
As Delhi continues to grapple with traffic congestion, pollution, and safety concerns, the Delhi traffic police reunification represents a significant administrative commitment to addressing these issues through unified leadership and coordinated action. The success of this restructuring will be measured by improvements in traffic flow, reduced congestion, and enhanced public satisfaction with traffic management in the coming months.
