New Delhi:
Waiting on the roads for a stream of red beacon cars carrying VIPs to pass may soon be a thing of past for Delhites.
The Standing Committee of the Parliament, consisting of Members of Parliament who make recommendations to the Government, today asked Delhi Police to streamline VIP movement through the Capital and reduce the inconvenience faced by the common man.
Technically, the committee can only make recommendations. However, it is significant because it will be difficult for Government to brush aside the suggestions and underlining sentiment of the committee, more so because MPs are often perceived to the one of main beneficiaries of special arrangements for VIP movements in the capital or in the states. Ironically, on the other hand, Members of Parliament have been clamouring for red beacon for themselves.
The committee asked the Delhi Police to have predetermined routes for VIP movements as a measure to reduce traffic snarls and make traveling on Delhi roads a smoother ride.
It has also asked the Delhi Police to use the FM radio to warn people about possible traffic snarls. Delhi Police has also been asked to use electronic display boards to inform motorist of possible movements and traffic jams.
The committee asked the Delhi Police if it can make an announcement ahead of VIP movement in the city to help people plan their routes better.
Security experts however say that announcing the predetermined routes for VIP movements takes away the element of surprise, exposing VIPs to attacks and it would mean heavier deployment of policemen.
The Delhi police has been asked to come back to the Committee with concrete proposals how to manage traffic better so that common man does not face constant inconvenience on the roads on account of VIP movement.