Team PROTECTOR
The Headquarter Traffic Guard is one of the most pivotal units under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Traffic Police, ensuring smooth vehicular movement and time-sensitive assistance in the heart of the city. It covers a total area of approximately 4.62 square km. This unit plays a crucial role in managing the intricate traffic dynamics of Central Kolkata, an area that witnesses heavy footfall due to its administrative, commercial, and historical significance.
The Headquarter Traffic Guard oversees some of Kolkata’s most iconic heritage landmarks, many of which date back to the colonial era, and continues to serve as vital administrative and financial hubs. Notable structures within its jurisdiction include Raj Bhavan – the official residence of the Governor of West Bengal, a heritage structure from the British era; Writers’ Building – the historic Secretariat building of the State Government which is presently undergoing renovation; Calcutta High Court – one of the oldest High Courts in India, established in 1862; Kolkata Police Headquarters (Lalbazar) – the nerve centre of law enforcement in the city; Calcutta Stock Exchange – a crucial financial institution; Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Kolkata Branch – a key institution governing monetary policies in the region, and numerous banks and financial institutions.
Apart from its administrative importance, this area is home to some of Kolkata’s largest and oldest commercial districts. Key business zones include Canning Street (Biplabi Rashbehari Bose Road) – a major hub for wholesale trade, dealing in textiles, electronics, and household goods; Rabindra Sarani – famous for its bustling markets, particularly in metalware, chemicals, and traditional Bengali goods; the renowned electronics and hardware market – Chandni Chowk, plus several other wholesale markets that supply goods across the State and to a large portion of Eastern India.
A Legacy of Traffic Management in Kolkata
The Headquarter Traffic Guard is the oldest traffic guard under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Traffic Police. Its rich history dates back to the mid-20th century, and it continues to be the cornerstone of Kolkata’s traffic enforcement.
Historical Evolution
Police archival records show that the Headquarter Traffic Guard has been operational since 1953. However, its roots trace even further back, as the building that houses it was originally known as Lalkin Guard. This facility served as a barrack and mess for Constables of the erstwhile Calcutta Police. The term “Lalkin” is believed to be derived from “Lal Dighi”, also called the Tank Square or Dalhousie Square, the historic man-made water tank in the heart of the city.
During 1952-1953, Sergeant R.D. Pandey was assigned as the Officer-in-Charge (O.C.) of the Traffic Guard.
In 1958, Inspector Narsdon Oliver Knight became the first Officer-in-Charge of this Traffic Guard, holding the rank of Inspector of Police.
Growth of the Kolkata Traffic Police
Between 1960 and 1970, Kolkata Traffic Police had six traffic guards, namely, Headquarter Traffic Guard, Jorabagan Traffic Guard, Shyambazar Traffic Guard, South Traffic Guard, East Traffic Guard, and South-West Traffic Guard.
Infrastructure and Location
The Headquarter Traffic Guard operates from 32/A, Brabourne Road, Kolkata – 700001. Before 1951, the building was a single-story structure. As per details, in 1952-1953, the building was requisitioned and hired by the Calcutta Police, marking its official integration into the city’s law enforcement framework. In 2019, a major renovation of the building commenced to upgrade its facilities.
Operational Expansion
To enhance its operational efficiency, the Headquarter Traffic Guard expanded its presence.
In 2005, an outpost was established at Sidhu Kanu Dahar, equipped with modern technological facilities. This outpost functions as a satellite unit of the main office on Biplabi Maharaj Sarani, further strengthening traffic enforcement in Central Kolkata.
Officer-in-Charge, Headquarter Traffic Guard, Kanchan Hazra: A Journey of Dedication and Service
Born and raised in Niyamatpur, near Kulti in present-day Paschim Bardhaman, OC Kanchan Hazra is a testament to unwavering dedication and commitment to service. His journey into law enforcement is a story of single-minded focus and perseverance.
“I always wanted to join the Force. In fact, I never appeared for any other competitive examination in my life. After my Higher Secondary examination, I first applied for a job in the Indian Air Force. Later, I responded to an advertisement for multiple vacancies in the Central Police Organisation (CPO).
I completed my graduation from Asansol College and, in 1995, appeared for the post of Sergeant. That decision changed my life forever. Now, as I approach 30 years in service, I take immense pride in my profession every single day.”
A Career Spanning Nearly Three Decades
Kanchan Hazra’s career trajectory reflects a wealth of experience across different divisions of the Kolkata Police. He began his career in the Reserve Force, where he served for a brief period before moving into active traffic management. His first major assignment in the Traffic Department – South West Traffic Guard – where he worked for six years, provided him with hands-on experience in managing one of Kolkata’s busiest traffic corridors. This was followed by an eight-year stint at Wireless Control. It was one of the most defining phases of his career. He says: “Although I have spent most of my career in the Traffic Department, my experience with Wireless Control remains strongly etched in my memory. Back then, alongside the Traffic Police, the Wireless Department functioned as a first responder. There was a fully operational wireless wing, which has now been diversified for better management.”
The Nabanna Transition
With the establishment of Nabanna as the administrative headquarters of the West Bengal government, a significant shift in governance infrastructure took place. This transition necessitated the creation of a new outpost to manage traffic and security in the area, ensuring smooth movement for government officials, ministers, and other dignitaries.
Kanchan Hazra was entrusted with overseeing the new outpost’s operations. He stated, “It was indeed a challenging task for our team. First and foremost, Nabanna was traditionally outside the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police, so the entire adjustment required careful planning and execution. Additionally, with the administrative shift, all ministers, representatives, and high-ranking officials had to travel to Nabanna regularly. Given the importance and challenges of this transition, we worked as a strong, coordinated team and succeeded in our efforts.”
A Legacy of Leadership in Kolkata’s Traffic Management
While managing the Mandirtala Outpost, Kanchan Hazra carried an additional responsibility-serving as the Additional Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Vidyasagar Traffic Guard. His ability to multitask and efficiently handle high-pressure situations made him a key figure in Kolkata’s traffic policing framework.
In 2016, Kanchan Hazra was appointed as the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Jadavpur Traffic Guard where his leadership brought about significant infrastructural and operational improvements. The Jadavpur Traffic Guard received a complete makeover with the construction of a new building adjacent to the Jadavpur Police Station. One of his biggest challenges was regulating vehicular movement in and around South City Mall, one of South Kolkata’s busiest commercial hubs. His strategic planning helped ease congestion and improve commuter safety. He also played a pivotal role in the construction of the subway near the Jadavpur 8B Bus Stand, which provided safer pedestrian movement. He was also instrumental in ensuring that the approach road to Gariahat Road was widened and improved thereby reducing bottlenecks in the high-traffic corridor.
In 2022, after years of impactful service across various divisions, Kanchan Hazra was transferred to the Headquarter Traffic Guard where he became its Officer-in-Charge. Sharing his thoughts about his latest posting, Hazra says: “Considering the jurisdiction of our Traffic Guard, we work around the clock to ensure smooth passage of vehicles. The high-density population, narrow lanes, and increasing vehicular traffic do not make the task easy. We believe in a modern, scientific approach to traffic policing where the comfort of pedestrians and commuters is not compromised. At the same time, road safety and security remain our top priority.”
Commitment to Emergency Response
Throughout his distinguished career in the Kolkata Traffic Police, Kanchan Hazra has witnessed and responded to numerous critical incidents, often taking direct action in rescue operations. His proactive approach and quick thinking have saved lives in high-pressure situations.
“My colleagues are aware that I always keep a crowbar and a chopper in my car for rescue purposes,” he shares, underscoring his readiness for emergencies. One such dramatic rescue occurred during his tenure at the Mandirtala Outpost where a Tata Ace (Chota Hathi) was involved in a severe collision, leaving the driver trapped as the steering column had wedged tightly against him. Time was running out for the fire brigade to arrive and extricate him safely. A quick-thinking Kanchan Hazra used his crowbar to bend the steering, successfully freeing the driver and ensuring his survival.
In another recent incident, his prompt action saved a driver who had fallen unconscious inside a locked vehicle. Hazra used his crowbar and chopper to break the glass, enabling a rapid rescue. The driver was swiftly rushed to the hospital, receiving timely medical attention.
A Midnight Rescue
In another incident, a few years ago, on a stormy night, Kanchan Hazra was returning home in his Tata Sumo when torrential rain lashed the city. Just as he approached the Majherhat Flyover, he noticed a car with its backlight on, motionless in the downpour. Something felt off. His instinct told him to stop. Drenched in rain, he approached the vehicle and found a man in the driver’s seat, visibly distressed. His car had broken down, and inside were his wife, children, and elderly parents—stranded in the middle of the night with no way to get home. Without hesitation, Hazra arranged for a breakdown van and offered the stranded family his vehicle, ensuring they reached their home safely in Sarsuna. Though he reached home way past 1:00 a.m., he did not feel inconvenienced but felt a deep sense of satisfaction. He says, “The police uniform gives us such opportunities to stand by citizens in their hour of need.”
Navigating Agitation and Stress in Law Enforcement
In an era where patience and perseverance are crucial for handling high-pressure situations, the aftermath of the RG Kar incident proved to be a litmus test of the resilience of the Head Quarter Traffic Guard personnel. Hazra recalled, “Believe me, it wasn’t easy. We faced numerous situations where processions and protests occurred simultaneously, requiring our constant vigilance. In one incident, we found ourselves surrounded by a group of agitated individuals who were angry about the traffic jam. We relied on patience, maintained our composure, and worked to de-escalate the situation. Years of experience have taught me that keeping a cool head is often the best solution.”
There is immense mental strain that comes with police work. Hazra strongly advocates for a simple and balanced approach to stress management. “Managing stress is an essential skill that every officer must develop to thrive in this profession. It is crucial to maintain a structured lifestyle, balanced diet, and good physical fitness. On days when I am not on morning shifts, I make it a priority to jog and perform physical drills in the Maidan area. A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but it is especially vital for those in uniform; it is a necessity.”
