In a remarkable initiative to improve road safety in Hyderabad, software professional Lokendra Singh has taken up the mantle of a traffic volunteer, dedicating his time to managing traffic and promoting awareness across key junctions in the city. Known widely as “Hyd Traffic Man” on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Singh has been actively involved in traffic management since 2022, advocating for a deeper understanding of road safety. His efforts focus not only on the physical management of traffic but also on educating the public, particularly pedestrians, about safe practices on the road.
Singh’s journey into volunteering began with his association with the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) in 2022, and later, he moved to the Special Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC). Here, he was seen at prominent junctions like MJ Market, Khairatabad, and Tank Bund, where his primary role was to ensure smooth traffic flow and educate commuters. His role extends beyond just managing traffic; it involves organising campaigns for safe driving practices such as seat belt use and discouraging excessive honking. His goal is to raise awareness about the alarming gap between India’s literacy rate and its traffic literacy rate, which stands at a mere 2%. Singh believes that education on traffic safety should be integrated into school curriculums to foster responsible road behaviour from a young age.
One of Singh’s most poignant motivations for starting his advocacy was his personal experience at a driving school in 2019. Despite attending a reputed institution, he found that road safety was barely addressed. This lack of focus on essential safety norms pushed him to contribute to the cause, which he has now been doing for over five years. His campaigns have led to a gradual but significant improvement in road behaviour, with over 90% of people at some junctions now adhering to traffic rules.
From a sustainable urban perspective, Singh’s work highlights the need for a holistic approach to road safety, which encompasses the four E’s: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Care. As urban areas like Hyderabad continue to expand, addressing traffic-related issues is vital for the city’s long-term sustainability. Fostering a culture of traffic safety not only reduces accidents but also enhances the overall quality of urban life by promoting environmental responsibility. Singh’s work represents an evolving civic effort to improve the city’s infrastructure, reduce congestion, and ensure safety, thus contributing to a more sustainable urban future.
