Ahmedabad Traffic Police operating with just 63% of sanctioned strength
If the city’s traffic jams, illegal parking, or rash driving leave you frustrated, the reason lies in a severe manpower crunch within the Ahmedabad Traffic Police.
Against a sanctioned strength of 5,958 personnel, the department is functioning with only 3,794 — just 63% of its approved capacity. The shortage is evident across all levels, with four Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) posts vacant, 638 fewer Assistant Sub Inspectors (ASIs)/Head Constables (HCs) than required, and over 800 constable positions unfilled.
Officials said the shortage directly impacts traffic regulation. “Sometimes we manage with help from nearby police stations, but when the shortfall is everywhere, traffic management suffers and citizens bear the brunt,” an officer said.
Currently, the department has only two ACPs against six, 17 inspectors instead of 20, 529 ASIs against 1,230 sanctioned, and 1,154 constables and Lok Rakshak Dals (LRDs) against the required 2,023.
Adding to the strain, there are just 23 Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) instead of 120. The situation worsens when officers go on leave or are sent for training, and many are diverted to non-traffic duties such as prisoner escort, further hampering citywide traffic management.