Karthik Reddy takes charge as Bengaluru’s traffic chief

On Thursday, IPS officer Shri Karthik Reddy officially took charge as the new Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Bengaluru City. In his first interaction with senior traffic officers, Reddy emphasized the urgent need to improve road safety and traffic management in India’s most congested metro.

During the meeting, a range of key strategies were discussed, focusing on enhancing enforcement, increasing commuter awareness, and leveraging technology to streamline traffic flow. Officers were encouraged to adopt a data-driven approach to manage high-density junctions, accident-prone zones, and peak-hour congestion. With Bengaluru’s traffic issues worsening, citizens and experts alike are keen to know what direction the new traffic chief will take. Should the focus be on deploying more personnel on roads, or will the administration lean heavily on automation and AI-powered surveillance? Will violators be disciplined on the spot, or will contactless enforcement continue to be the norm?

Reddy has yet to make a formal policy announcement, but sources indicate that a combination of increased on-ground presence and smart enforcement tools may be adopted. Public cooperation and behavioral change among commuters will also play a vital role in improving road discipline. As Bengaluru continues to grapple with rising vehicle numbers and inadequate infrastructure, expectations are high from the new traffic chief to bring innovative, lasting solutions that prioritize safety, efficiency, and accountability on city roads.