Belagavi is undergoing a significant transformation in its traffic and law enforcement strategies, driven by a blend of smart city technology and administrative overhaul under newly appointed Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase. In a major shift, nearly 90% of personnel previously involved in penalising traffic violations have been reassigned to manage and streamline traffic flow across the city.
The move reflects a decisive shift away from traditional enforcement toward a more tech-driven and citizen-friendly model. Under this new approach, digital challans are now being issued through CCTV cameras, body-worn devices, and mobile apps, eliminating the need for roadside checks. Offenders receive penalties directly via WhatsApp or SMS, ensuring transparency and minimising confrontational encounters with law enforcement officers.
Previously tasked with checking for helmet and seatbelt compliance, police personnel are now stationed at key junctions to ease congestion and actively manage traffic during peak hours. The initiative aims to reduce commute times, enhance road discipline, and contribute to a more sustainable and stress-free urban environment.
Commissioner Borase, who assumed office a month ago, has also intensified crime control operations across the city. Crackdowns on drug peddlers, matka bookies, and illegal gamblers have seen a notable spike in enforcement. Since January, 20 drug-related raids have been carried out, most of them in the past month, resulting in 41 arrests. Additionally, 23 individuals were booked for drug consumption. The number of raids over the past month is the highest in three years.
Similarly, 95 cases have been filed against matka and gambling operations in 2024, leading to 256 arrests. Most of these actions also occurred within the past 30 days. In comparison, Belagavi police recorded 123 and 124 such cases in 2023 and 2024 respectively, with total arrests of 411 and 326.
“This is not a temporary operation,” Commissioner Borase told reporters. “We are committed to tracking and taking action against those involved in illegal activities like narcotics, matka, and gambling.”
Beyond enforcement, the police department has collaborated with key agencies including the NHAI, PWD, and Belagavi City Corporation, urging quick repairs of pothole-ridden roads. This integrated approach underscores the importance of well-maintained infrastructure for effective urban mobility.
As Belagavi embraces this smart and holistic model of city management, authorities are urging residents to support the effort by following basic safety norms and playing their part in creating a safer, more efficient city.
