In Ghaziabad, traffic cops go hi-tech with cooling helmets

Time of India

20-05-2025

Ghaziabad: As temperature soars above 40 degrees Celsius, and high humidity makes it 'feel-like' 48.5 degrees, at least 100 traffic police personnel were equipped with air-conditioned helmets to help them cope with the heat.
The helmets, which can lower the temperature by 10-15 degrees Celsius, are equipped with built-in fan-like structures and designed to provide relief to officers working outdoors during the scorching summer months.
ACP (traffic) Ziauddin Ahmad said said these distinctively designed AC helmets can effectively operate for up to 8 hours on a single full charge and help traffic police endure eight-hour shifts in areas with high levels of air pollution and traffic congestion during the summer.
The concept of AC helmets is not entirely new, and have been rolled out in several cities like Delhi, Chennai, Kalaburagi and Vizag among others. Last year, trials were conducted in Lucknow to explore the feasibility of the technology in the local context.
Beyond the headgear, transparent goggles were also provided to shield cops from dust and pollutants.
Traffic cops, responsible for manning traffic across busy intersections of the city, often need to work for extended periods even during peak summer.
Some personnel told TOI that traffic shelters are few and infrequent in most urban and rural sectors, expressways and highways, which makes working during hot weather or heavy rain difficult.
Enduring over eight-hour shifts under such conditions, with pollution and noise, takes a toll on the body, particularly near busy intersections. The new gadgets, they said, were expected to provide better work environment and improve efficiency.
For now, cops deployed at Vedanta, Model Town, Sector 62, Gaud Green, Media House, Bhojpur, Hapur Chungi, Ajnara Cut, Raj Nagar Extension, Lal Kuan and Mohan Nagar were given AC helmets. Cops were also given umbrellas and water bottles.