Kolkata Police Intensify Drink-Driving: As Kolkata gears up for the vibrant festival of Diwali, the city’s police have launched a strong and technology-driven initiative to ensure public safety by introducing 50 advanced breath analysers across major intersections and traffic points. This major step by the Kolkata Police comes as part of a broader drive to curb drunk driving, one of the leading causes of road accidents during the festive season.
The move marks a significant upgrade in law enforcement’s technological infrastructure, enhancing both accuracy and transparency in roadside alcohol testing. The initiative reflects the department’s renewed commitment to building a safer and more disciplined traffic system ahead of one of India’s busiest and most festive weeks.
Kolkata Police’s Proactive Approach for Safer Roads
With the festive season bringing larger crowds, increased late-night gatherings, and higher traffic volumes, the police department aims to minimize accidents caused by alcohol-impaired driving. According to senior traffic officials, these newly procured devices are designed to offer precise readings, store digital data logs, and reduce human errors that often arise in manual or outdated breathalyser systems.
Each of the 50 breath analysers will be deployed strategically across 26 traffic guard areas in Kolkata. The devices are expected to perform thousands of tests every night, with the capability to digitally store test results that can later be used as legal evidence in court if needed.
An official from the Traffic Department stated that the move was initiated after noticing a concerning spike in drunk-driving incidents post-Durga Puja celebrations. Given the festive excitement of Diwali, authorities expect higher public gatherings, parties, and late-night drives—conditions that significantly elevate the risk of intoxicated driving.
New Technology to Prevent Manipulation and Ensure Transparency
The new breath analysers are a significant leap forward from older models. Unlike the earlier versions that could be manipulated or lacked memory capacity, these upgraded devices come with in-built memory chips, digital timestamping, and GPS data integration to maintain credibility and accuracy.
Each device records critical details such as:
- The time and location of testing
- Vehicle number and driver details
- Alcohol concentration levels in the breath sample
- Officer identification codes for accountability
This system will make the enforcement process more transparent and ensure that no individual can claim procedural lapses or technical manipulation. Furthermore, the tamper-proof software ensures data integrity, minimizing disputes or false claims in court.
Authorities mentioned that the analysers can store up to 10,000 test results securely, allowing data to be retrieved later if required for legal follow-up or case tracking.
Kolkata Police Intensify Drink-Driving: Strategic Deployment and Operation
The Kolkata Police have mapped out a detailed operational strategy for deploying these devices across the city.
Key areas of deployment include:
- Major intersections such as Park Street, EM Bypass, AJC Bose Road, and Shakespeare Sarani, where nightlife and restaurants are concentrated.
- High-risk zones known for frequent accidents, including New Town, Salt Lake, and Dum Dum Road.
- Late-night checkpoints in regions like Rashbehari Avenue, Ballygunge, and Howrah Bridge, which connect multiple parts of the city.
Night-time traffic squads will conduct randomised breath tests, focusing particularly on vehicles coming from pubs, hotels, and party venues. The initiative will also include roadside awareness drives to educate the public about the consequences of drunk driving.
The total cost of procuring the 50 devices reportedly exceeds ₹22 lakh, with additional funds allocated for training personnel, maintenance, and public awareness campaigns.
Law Enforcement and Public Awareness Go Hand in Hand
Alongside enforcement, the Kolkata Police plan to launch a city-wide awareness campaign through radio, billboards, and social media platforms. The goal is to encourage responsible celebration and promote the message: “Celebrate Safely, Don’t Drink and Drive.”
Senior officials highlighted that while the breath analysers are a deterrent, public cooperation remains the foundation of traffic safety. Citizens are urged to use cabs, carpooling, or app-based ride services after drinking.
The enforcement drive also includes coordination with the Transport Department and Excise officials to monitor liquor outlets and party venues during Diwali week.
Legal Framework and Penalties for Drunk Driving
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable offence with fines up to ₹10,000, license suspension, and even imprisonment in severe cases.
For first-time offenders:
- A fine up to ₹10,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months.
For repeat offenders:
- A fine up to ₹15,000 and imprisonment up to 2 years.
By using advanced digital records, police can strengthen prosecution in cases where offenders attempt to deny or dispute their test results. The new system ensures that each test result can be directly linked to a unique time, date, and officer ID—making it a credible piece of evidence in legal proceedings.
Challenges and Practical Concerns
While the deployment is expected to bring about a significant change, officials have also acknowledged potential challenges:
- Operator Training: Officers need to be properly trained to handle devices accurately to avoid false positives.
- Device Maintenance: Regular calibration is essential for precise readings.
- Data Management: The storage and handling of sensitive digital records must comply with privacy regulations.
- City Coverage: With only 50 analysers available, the challenge lies in optimally covering a vast city like Kolkata during peak hours.
Despite these challenges, authorities remain optimistic that this initiative will reduce road fatalities, enhance accountability, and modernize the city’s traffic management system.
A Step Toward Safer Festivities
The Diwali season often witnesses a surge in vehicular movement, festive gatherings, and heightened risks on the roads. The deployment of these advanced analysers will help ensure that the festival of lights doesn’t turn into a period of darkness for families affected by avoidable tragedies.
Apart from drink-driving checks, Kolkata Police have also strengthened their vigilance against illegal firecrackers, over-speeding, and reckless bike stunts during the festive week. Officials are coordinating with the Pollution Control Board and civic authorities to ensure the celebrations remain both safe and environment-friendly.
The department’s decision reflects a proactive approach, not just to enforce law and order, but to protect lives and create awareness about responsible celebration.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative Beyond Diwali
If successful, the initiative could become a permanent feature of Kolkata’s road safety plan. Officials are considering expanding the number of breath analysers and deploying them year-round, particularly during other high-traffic occasions such as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, and Poila Boishakh.
Traffic experts believe that Kolkata’s example could serve as a model for other metropolitan cities in India, where road safety often takes a backseat during celebrations.
This initiative stands as a clear message from the administration — “Festivity should never come at the cost of safety.”
External References for Further Reading
- Kolkata Police Official Website
- Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)
- West Bengal Transport Department
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)
- Press Information Bureau, Government of India
Through this initiative, the Kolkata Police have taken a meaningful step toward ensuring that Diwali remains a festival of light, joy, and safety — not sorrow caused by preventable accidents. The integration of advanced technology with law enforcement represents a forward-thinking approach to responsible urban governance and community well-being.
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