How local businesses are partnering with law enforcement to secure Hyderabad’s highways.
A Collaborative Approach to Highway Security
To promote safer highways, businesses, and communities, Future City Commissioner of Police, Dr. Tarun Joshi, recently hosted a major sensitization session. Addressing around 500 owners and representatives of highway establishments—including dhabas, restaurants, and fuel stations—within the Shamshabad Police Station limits, the initiative highlighted the critical role these roadside businesses play in commuter security amid rapidly growing interstate traffic.
Eyes on the Road: CCTV and Vigilance
With a recent uptick in highway robberies, proactive surveillance is more important than ever. The Commissioner urged all establishment owners to upgrade their security infrastructure to assist in crime prevention and investigation:
- Comprehensive CCTV Coverage: Cameras must monitor the premises, entry/exit points, parking areas, and other vulnerable spots.
- Road-Facing Cameras: Where feasible, outward-facing cameras are crucial for tracking traffic incidents and suspicious roadside movements.
- Immediate Reporting: Owners and staff must remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals, vehicles, or illegal activities to authorities instantly.
Prioritizing Customer Well-being
Safety on the highway goes beyond crime prevention; it encompasses the overall well-being of every traveler stopping for a break.
- Protecting the Vulnerable: Staff must be trained to handle emergencies efficiently, taking special precautions to ensure the safety of women and children, especially late at night.
- Clear Emergency Info: Businesses must prominently display emergency helplines, specifically highlighting “Dial 112.”
- Health and Hygiene: Establishments are urged to strictly maintain food safety regulations, quality, and cleanliness.
- Fire Preparedness: Working fire extinguishers must be easily accessible, and staff should receive basic fire safety training to prevent loss of life or property.
Smoothing the Journey: Traffic and Teamwork
A safe highway is also a clear highway. CP Joshi emphasized the need to prevent businesses from causing traffic bottlenecks on National Highways.
- Organized Parking: Ensure parked vehicles do not obstruct the main roads or create congestion.
- Traffic Marshals: Deploy trained personnel to regulate vehicle movement during peak hours.
- Support Visible Policing: Cooperate fully with police personnel during routine patrols and enforcement checks.
To encourage compliance, CP Joshi announced that establishment owners who consistently follow these safety, cleanliness, and traffic guidelines will be officially recognized and rewarded by the Future City Police.
What specific safety measure do you look for first when stopping at a highway restaurant or fuel station during a long road trip?
