Delhi Lieutenant Governor T.S. Sandhu on Sunday, 10 May issued a public appeal urging residents and visitors to the national capital to follow traffic rules, citing the need to prevent accidents, reduce congestion, and curb air pollution. The appeal came a day after a fatal accident on Saturday night in which a speeding car killed two men on a motorcycle in east Delhi's Karawal Nagar.

What the L-G Said

Sandhu posted his appeal on social media platform X, calling on citizens to cooperate with the Delhi Traffic Police in building a safer, better-managed city. "My earnest appeal to all Delhi residents and those visiting here is that you cooperate with the traffic police in making the national capital a city with safe, smooth, and well-managed traffic," he said in his post.

The Lieutenant Governor underlined the broader consequences of traffic violations. "Following traffic rules not only helps prevent traffic jams and accidents on the roads but also aids in reducing air pollution. Doing so is in the interest of Delhi and its residents, and it is our fundamental responsibility," he added.

Key Behaviours Flagged

Sandhu specifically called out dangerous driving practices, urging citizens to refrain from driving in the wrong direction, jumping red lights, and crossing roads in ways that endanger lives. He stressed that proper parking, along with the use of helmets and seat belts, is essential not only for smooth traffic flow but for the safety of commuters and their families.

Traffic Prahari App and Enforcement Drive

The Lieutenant Governor also directed the Delhi Traffic Police to expand its enforcement campaign across the city. He encouraged citizens to actively participate by reporting violations through the 'Traffic Prahari' app, which offers rewards for vigilance. "Your participation is crucial in strengthening this road safety campaign. All of you can report violations of traffic rules through the 'Traffic Prahari' app and earn rewards for your vigilance," Sandhu said.

Context and Broader Concern

The fatal Karawal Nagar accident that prompted Sandhu's intervention is not an isolated incident. Delhi consistently ranks among Indian cities with the highest road fatality rates, according to government transport data. This comes amid ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of traffic enforcement in a city of over 20 million residents. Notably, the appeal also connects traffic discipline to Delhi's chronic air quality crisis — vehicle emissions remain one of the primary contributors to the capital's pollution levels. Sandhu concluded with a collective call to action: "If we collectively resolve to follow traffic rules, it is possible to build a jam-free and safe Delhi."