The heroics of Shillong Traffic Police
Students’ CORNER
By Britisha Ch Sangma
(Lady Keane College)
Mist wrapped itself around the pine trees as the city’s sleepy streets slowly filled with honking vehicles on a chilly morning in Shillong. While most of the city was still waking up, Officer Prasad was already at his post in Police Bazar, adjusting his gloves, blowing into his hands for warmth, and preparing to face yet another unpredictable day on the road.
For this officer, serving in the traffic police isn’t just a job, it’s a responsibility, a calling he has embraced for the past 12 years. What inspired him to join the Traffic department? A simple but powerful childhood dream: to serve his people and protect the streets of his beloved city.
“When I was young, I used to watch the traffic officers controlling chaos with nothing but a whistle and a firm hand,” he says, his eyes reflecting quiet pride. “I wanted to be that person someday.”
Each day, his duties include managing the morning rush as parents drop off their children at school, controlling the mid-day market chaos, and guiding late-night vehicles as the city slowly falls asleep.
But his work is not limited to raising a hand or blowing a whistle. He comforts anxious accident victims, helps lost tourists, mediates road rage incidents, and sometimes even carries the injured to safety when no ambulance arrives on time.
The job comes with its share of scars. Officer Prasad recalls a rainy evening when a reckless driver hit a pedestrian near GS Road. “I still remember the helpless look in that man’s eyes. We rushed him to the hospital, but he didn’t make it,” he says softly.
That day, something broke inside him. But he returned to duty the next morning. For traffic policemen, no matter how they feel, there is no room to step back from their responsibilities.
These officers face countless hardships, many of which go unseen. Whether under the scorching sun or bone-chilling rain, they stand by their duty because their commitment is stronger than the weather.
The people of Shillong rarely realise how short-staffed their protectors are. Currently, only about 94 to 95 home guards, 13 to 14 head constables, and 40 to 49 UBC constables manage the city’s traffic. Including officers in charge, they have around 78 personnel — far fewer than needed.
Each officer stretches themselves thin, covering multiple zones—from school crossings to highway patrols, from the busy markets of Iewduh to the unpredictable streets of Mawlai. Some intersections are so busy and accident-prone that a single officer has to manage traffic for hours without a break.
During festive seasons, political rallies, or VIP visits, the challenges multiply. Leaves are cancelled, extra hours stretch into sleepless nights, and officers from other branches are called in. Yet they never complain.
“Our job is to protect people and ensure the city keeps moving,” says Prasad, adding that there’s no room for personal comfort during such times.
The story is no different for other traffic personnel manning the city roads.
Police Bazaar was alive with its usual rhythm—honking horns, the growl of engines and the hurried footsteps of pedestrians weaving between vehicles. Amid the chaos stood three figures in fluorescent jackets: Rida Pasi, who joined the police force in 2023; Cresensius Taro, serving since 2018; and MA Khan, a veteran officer whose service dated back to 1994.
When asked what it felt like to stand in the heart of city traffic, day after day, Rida answered first, her tone measured but sincere: “At the beginning, it was overwhelming. The volume of vehicles, the constant honking—it can shake your confidence. But gradually, you learn to adapt. It is a responsibility, because every signal, every hand gesture, can mean the difference between safety and accident.”
Cresensius, on the other hand, remarked, “Every day is different. Some days are smooth, others unpredictable. Once, during the Christmas rush in 2019, the roads were overcrowded. I noticed a family struggling to cross safely. For a brief moment, I stopped all vehicles and guided them through. It seemed small, but it reminded me why we stand here: to ensure safety, even in the smallest acts.”
Then came Khan, whose long years of service showed in both his composure and his words.
He said, “When I first joined in 1994, Shillong had far fewer vehicles. Today, the number has grown beyond what the roads can handle. I have seen tragic accidents, situations where despite our best efforts, lives were lost. Those moments never leave you. But they also strengthen your commitment. Our role is not easy, but it is necessary.”
When asked about the number of vehicles Shillong has today—two-wheelers and four-wheelers combined, Khan’s expression was serious. “Yes, we keep track. There are more than two lakh registered vehicles in Shillong now. The majority are two-wheelers, while four-wheelers add heavily to congestion. And yet, our roads remain the same as they were years ago. That imbalance is the greatest challenge.”
Shedding light on this subject, Rida said, “Every day it feels like the numbers grow. With so many two-wheelers weaving through traffic, accidents are always a risk.”
With a sigh, Cresensius, joining the discussion, said: “And when four-wheelers stop wherever they like, even a small obstruction can paralyse an entire stretch of road.”
Their reflections carried both weight and dignity.
Asked what this city needs the most to manage the traffic criris, Khan responded firmly. “Discipline. Without it, no number of officers or signals will solve the problem.”
On the other hand, Rida added, “Public cooperation is essential. We can direct traffic, but ultimately, safety depends on how responsibly people drive.”
Cresensius agreed. “It is not just about whistles and signals. It is about awareness. If drivers respected rules, our task would be much smoother.”
The stress factor involved in the job made it pertinent to wonder: “With all the stress, the long hours, and the risks—what keeps them coming back every day?”
On this, there was a pause. Then, Khan spoke quietly: “For me, it is duty. This uniform is a commitment to the people of this city.”
Cresensius followed: “It is the satisfaction of knowing that even in small ways, we prevent harm and protect lives.”
Rida concluded with a faint smile. “And it is hope. Hope that one day, our roads will be safer, our drivers more disciplined. That hope keeps us going.”
As the intersection roared back to life, the three officers stepped forward, raising their hands and blowing their whistles. Slowly, the chaos bent into order.
Tech comes as respite
Modern technology has been a great help. CCTV cameras now act as extra eyes, capturing violations and monitoring traffic flow in real time.
“Earlier, we had to manually note down violators. Now, the automatic challan system takes care of it. A person who jumps a red light today receives a fine directly on their phone tomorrow,” Prasad explains.
This system has improved transparency and accountability. “We’ve noticed that when people know they’re being monitored, they tend to follow the rules more carefully.”
Despite these advancements, human interaction remains key.
Violations, corrective steps
Shillong’s traffic police still deal with everyday violations: riding without helmets, illegal parking, overspeeding, and using mobile phones while driving. “It’s frustrating sometimes. People know the rules and the consequences, but they break them anyway,” officer Prasad sighs.
Yet hope shines through public awareness efforts. Officers conduct traffic safety workshops in schools, hand out pamphlets during Road Safety Week, and use social media to educate the public. Their message to young drivers and students is simple but powerful: “Drive carefully. Don’t speed. Wear your helmets and seatbelts. Life is fragile—one mistake on the road can take everything away in seconds.”
Behind the uniform and the tough stance, there is humanity. These officers miss family dinners, celebrations, and quiet evenings at home. Some work overtime without asking for extra pay because they know the city depends on them.
What keeps them going is the occasional moment of gratitude—a thank you from a driver they helped, a smile from a child they guided across the road, or the silent peace of knowing that today, they prevented an accident.
As I stood watching Officer Prasad help a struggling elderly woman cross a busy street, I realised how invisible their sacrifices often are. We honk at them when they stop our cars. We blame them when traffic slows down. But rarely do we see their dedication, patience, and courage.
The traffic police of Shillong are more than just enforcers of the law. They are the silent guardians who brave storms, accidents, and exhaustion so that we can travel safely. They don’t wear capes—but perhaps they should.
So the next time you stop at a signal or cross a busy road, take a moment to acknowledge the person standing in the middle of it all—soaked in rain, burned by the sun, yet still standing. Because without them, our roads would be chaos, and our journeys far more dangerous.