Kochi Police Go Undercover on Buses to Boost Safety

Commuters in Kochi are getting an unexpected travel companion: undercover police officers working to make their daily rides safer.

The city's traffic police have been quietly boarding private buses in plainclothes for over a month, watching for violations that put passengers at risk. When they spot dangerous driving, they instantly alert uniformed officers on the route who can take action.

The results speak for themselves. Officers have caught buses speeding, making risky overtakes, and honking in prohibited zones. They've even witnessed and reported street fights between bus employees arguing over routes and timing.

"We have already been deploying police personnel in plainclothes in different parts of the city and even onboard buses," said Assistant Commissioner Mohammed Nizar. The undercover approach lets officers see exactly what passengers experience every day.

The initiative came after the State Human Rights Commission raised concerns about frequent traffic violations by private bus crews. But the traffic wing had already started the program as part of broader efforts to bring order to the city's competitive and often chaotic transport sector.

The Ripple Effect

The shadow police program is just one piece of Kochi's commitment to safer streets. The city also launched Traffic Eye, a WhatsApp hotline where residents can report violations directly. About 30 complaints pour in daily to the number 6238100100.

Every month, police hold meetings with private bus operators to review the complaints and plan improvements. It's a partnership approach that gives everyone a voice in making transportation safer.

The combination of undercover enforcement and community reporting creates accountability from multiple angles. Bus crews know they could be watched at any time, while passengers have a direct line to report problems.

For the thousands of people who rely on private buses to get to work, school, and home each day, these changes mean more than just following rules. They mean arriving safely, reducing stress, and trusting that someone is looking out for their wellbeing on the road.