The Traffic Wardens’ Unit was established as a statutory unit by the Government of West Bengal and established as an auxiliary wing of the Kolkata Traffic Police, under Sub-Section (4) of Section 20A of the Calcutta Police Act 1866 and Sub-Section (4) of Section 14A of the Calcutta Suburban Police Act 1866, 1975. The members are selected from professionals like lawyers, doctors, engineers, corporate executives and businessmen. Ladies were inducted in 1995 and since then they have been a part of the unit’s strength. The members of the unit join the regular traffic police in their day to day duty and receive instructions from the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic). Headed by the Chief Traffic Warden, the present strength is increasing day by day. The Chief is assisted by the Deputy Chief Traffic Warden, who, in turn, is assisted by the Assistant Chiefs supported by the Senior Traffic Wardens and followed by the Group Traffic Wardens, the Traffic Wardens being the junior most members of the unit. Smartly dressed in khaki with a golden yellow & black band on their khaki peak cap, the officers can be seen performing duty regularly on their scheduled beats at different road intersections of Kolkata and other special occasions. In 2001 the unit sent a team of officers including paramedics to Gujarat to provide assistance to the earthquake stricken people. They remained in Kutch for 13 days and rendered door-to-door services, attending more than 3000 people. Since 1997, the unit has regularly participated in the Ceremonial Republic Day Parade in Kolkata and has won a number of trophies, displaying a rare zeal of performance which can perhaps even outmatch the marching contingents of the regular forces.


Kolkata Police invites citizens of Kolkata to associate with its 'voluntary wing' as Kolkata Police Traffic Wardens. Candidates, who are graduates and in the age group of 22 - 40 years eager to serve this city may place their honorary services at least for two hours, twice a week to serve the people of Kolkata. Interested persons are requested to apply on a prescribed form for enrollment.