As temperatures in Ahmedabad hit a scorching 41°C this mid-March, the city’s Traffic Police have launched a pilot project to keep their personnel cool. The initiative began on March 18 and involves specially designed “cooling jackets” aimed at helping officers manage the extreme heat while on duty.
This project is a collaboration with the Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), an organization dedicated to urban resilience and community welfare. Authorities decided to implement this measure due to increasing concerns over heat stress affecting frontline workers who handle traffic for long hours under direct sunlight.
Six traffic police officers stationed at the busy Pakwan Crossroads are testing these jackets as part of the trial. The aim? To evaluate whether the gear effectively reduces heat-related discomfort and improves overall working conditions.
“These jackets help lower body temperature during prolonged exposure to high temperatures,” noted a traffic department official. “If successful, we’ll expand this project to more traffic points across the city.”
How do these jackets work? Often called “fan jackets,” they feature two compact, battery-powered fans located near the lower back that circulate ambient air through the inner layer of the garment. This constant airflow enhances sweat evaporation—our body’s natural cooling mechanism—and creates a microclimate within, making wearers feel cooler than it actually is outside.
The lightweight fabric used is typically polyester blends, allowing for breathability while efficiently trapping airflow. With elasticated cuffs and adjustable waistbands, these features help retain circulated air for better cooling effects.
Powered by rechargeable batteries (about 10,000 mAh), fans can run between four to 15 hours based on speed settings—offering multiple airflow modes tailored to varying comfort levels. Besides keeping wearers cool, reflective strips increase visibility for those working in busy streets without hindering mobility.
Experts emphasize that such cooling solutions are particularly beneficial in hot climates like Ahmedabad’s, where rapid sweat evaporation can drastically reduce body temperature and prevent heat-related illnesses like dehydration or fatigue.
This year has seen an early onset of intense heat conditions resembling typical summer heatwaves usually expected later in the season. Given that traffic personnel endure extended hours managing vehicles at intersections under harsh weather, mitigating health risks with this new gear could improve their efficiency significantly.
Further assessments will occur over the next few weeks based on feedback from those using the jackets; if proven effective, expanding this initiative could protect outdoor workers from extreme weather dangers.