Bengaluru Traffic Police launch ‘Cobra Beat’ to tackle micro-level congestion

In a bid to tackle micro-level issues contributing to traffic congestion, the Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) have launched a Cobra Beat system. Under this initiative, Cobras (first responders from BTP) from each traffic police station will be assigned two routes to patrol regularly, particularly during peak hours, to identify and resolve congestion-related problems.

The move is part of BTP’s ongoing efforts to address congestion caused by factors other than infrastructure and to find practical solutions. Recently, the department identified 103 bus stops placed in unscientific locations and initiated their relocation. Signal synchronisation has also been adopted to ensure smoother traffic flow across the city.

What is the plan?

Each traffic police station in Bengaluru has three to four Cobras, depending on its jurisdiction. Every station will identify two key and high-traffic stretches in its area that often experience bottlenecks and create ripple effects on adjoining roads. For instance, congestion on Commercial Street tends to spill over to Dispensary Road and other connecting lanes.

For constant monitoring, the traffic police will prioritise roads with heavy footfall and recurring issues such as parking in restricted zones and high vehicular density.

Gopal M. Byakod, DCP (South), said that Cobras will focus on resolving such problems during peak hours to ensure smoother traffic movement. “Haphazard parking and vehicle stationing on busy stretches may seem minor, but they effectively reduce road width. The result disrupts the regular flow of vehicles and increases commute times,” he said. “If one wrongly parked vehicle causes a 10-second delay, six vehicles add up to a full minute. Similarly, vehicle stationing and wrong-side driving lead to slowdowns and further delays,” he added.

Enforcement and shortcomings

Beyond maintaining vigil, Cobras can also clamp vehicles and issue violation notices. The initiative is designed not only to enhance enforcement, but also to promote public awareness and better traffic discipline.

Karthik Reddy, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), recently issued a circular directing all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to implement the Cobra Beat system by identifying key stretches in their respective jurisdictions.

However, challenges remain. A senior officer explained that the road lengths under each Cobra’s beat vary significantly. For instance, the Koramangala Ganapathi Temple Road is far longer than 80 Feet Road, making it difficult for one Cobra to patrol both frequently. 

Alongside the Cobra Beat system, the traffic police have increased their on-ground presence as part of a crackdown on visible violations. The BTP has reverted to its earlier system of intercepting vehicles and levying fines. Senior officers emphasised that the aim is effective enforcement, not harassment, and personnel have been instructed to act strictly on visible offences while maintaining public courtesy.