Operation Rope: Hyderabad traffic police remove 5,179 encroachments in April

Hyderabad: The Hyderabad traffic police have launched an operation called “ROPE” (Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments) to remove all obstructions caused by illegally parked vehicles and encroachments by shopkeepers and street vendors.

The operation, which began in September 2022, aims to facilitate safe pedestrian movements at all intersections by removing obstructions on main carriageways or footpaths.

During the operation, officers of the Hyderabad traffic police educated commuters and also used various social media platforms to spread awareness about traffic rules.

Later, traffic officers started strict enforcement against violations of the stop line rule, free left, 39(B), 41(1) of the CP Act obstruction, and encroachment of carriageways/footpaths.

As per the data, during the month of April 2023, 45,710 cases were filed against violators of the stop line rule, 9,337 cases for free left, 4,774 cases for 39(B), 15,804 cases for CP Act obstruction, and 5,179 cases for encroachment of carriageways/footpaths. K.V.P. Raju, a traffic inspector, said the operation has brought about significant change in the personal commuting behaviour of the citizens of Hyderabad.

He added, “In addition to Operation ROPE, we also conducted special drives against wrong-side driving and triple riding on motorcycles to avert road traffic crashes and launched a special drive against RTC, heavy vehicles, and four-wheelers to ensure the safety of commuters and pedestrians.”

During the month of April 2023, 63,508 cases were filed against wrong-side driving, 13,431 cases for triple riding, 864 cases against RTC buses, 1,908 cases against heavy vehicles, and 12,125 cases for no number plate. The data contemplates the need for severe action to prevent the loss of lives, which can be saved just by observing simple traffic rules.

Drunk driving

The Hyderabad traffic police are continuing their drive against drunken drivers to ensure road safety. During the month of April 2023, 2,687 drivers were found driving under the influence of alcohol, and 1,717 charge sheets were filed against them. The courts imposed a fine of Rs. 35,90,500. The violators who committed the offence were also counselled at TTI, Goshamahal, and Begumpet.

“The drive against drunken driving and other violations will continue for the safety of commuters on the road. We request all motorists not to drive vehicles under drunken conditions,” stated G. Sudheer Babu, additional commissioner of police, traffic, Hyderabad.

He further stated, “These special drives and execution of operation ROPE are solely aimed at the smooth flow of traffic and individual road safety.”