From corporate to traffic volunteer: Meet Lokendra Singh, Hyderabad’s HydTrafficMan
Hyderabad: Lokendra Singh, a corporate professional turned traffic volunteer, has spent the past five years working to improve road safety and traffic education in Hyderabad. Originally from Rajasthan, Lokendra settled in the city and found his passion for traffic volunteering after an eye-opening experience during driving school. He is the voice behind the X account (@HydTrafficMan), where he advocates for road safety and shares his journey to raise traffic awareness.
Speaking with Hyderabad Mail, Lokendra shared his motivation, “Five years ago, I joined a driving school with the expectation of not only learning to drive but also understanding road safety and traffic rules. However, I quickly realised that the focus was mainly on driving techniques, with little attention given to safety practices like wearing seatbelts or checking mirrors.” This gap in traffic education inspired him to take action.
In 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic, Lokendra joined the Hyderabad City Security Council (HCSC) as a traffic volunteer. After six months, he transitioned to the Special Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), where he assisted with traffic management at key junctions in the city. During this time, he also underwent training in road safety and basic life support, which he believes is vital for anyone involved in traffic education.
Lokendra’s advocacy for traffic education is rooted in a broader concern. “India’s population is nearly 1.5 billion, and while education rates have risen, traffic education remains alarmingly low at just 1.5%. This needs to be addressed, and road safety should be taught in schools and colleges,” he explains.
Beyond raising awareness, Lokendra has actively volunteered at various locations across the city, including MJ Market, Khairtabad Junction, and Tank Bund, where he displayed placards to promote road safety. He has also collaborated with Team Road Squad, led by Sri Harsha Tulasi, to create and share road safety videos on X (formerly Twitter).
Looking ahead, Lokendra has ambitious plans. In 2025, he intends to take his message to schools, colleges, and corporations. “I’ve designed a structured 90-minute road safety course, which includes a quiz. Participants who score 80% or higher will receive a certificate of distinction,” he says.
Lokendra also highlighted pedestrian safety, sharing a personal story from MJ Market, where he helped an elderly woman cross the road safely. “I’ve seen many people unaware of the traffic around them, especially pedestrians who try to cross roads without considering the traffic flow. It’s important to raise awareness to prevent such situations,” he adds.
Despite facing resistance from some individuals, Lokendra believes most people are receptive once they understand the importance of following traffic rules. “Many people think accidents won’t happen to them, but it’s crucial to follow the rules to prevent them,” he says.
Volunteering has not been without its challenges. Initially, the noise and honking at traffic junctions made communication difficult.
However, Lokendra adapted by using a megaphone to reach a larger audience. Now, he uses this tool to remind drivers to wear seatbelts, ensure co-passengers are buckled up, wear helmets, and stop behind the stop lines.
Lokendra also recognizes the traffic management challenges in Hyderabad, particularly due to the city’s large population and congestion. “Patience is key. People need to stay calm in traffic situations. We have to adjust to the circumstances instead of panicking,” he advises.
He points out that traffic officers in Hyderabad are often understaffed, with only one or two officers managing traffic at some junctions. Recently, plans were announced to hire additional traffic volunteers, including transgender individuals, to assist with traffic management. Lokendra supports this initiative but believes it should be carried out with clear guidelines to ensure its success.
Lokendra also identifies key areas in need of attention, such as the route from Lakdikapul to Mehdipatnam, which often faces congestion. He specifically mentions the Khajaguda junction, where the lack of traffic signals exacerbates traffic jams. “Speed limits should be enforced more effectively to help ease congestion,” he suggests.
Those interested in volunteering for traffic duties must be at least 18 years old, have completed intermediate education, and be a graduate. After registering, volunteers receive training before being assigned to the field.
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