Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, has witnessed a sharp rise in vehicle numbers and daily congestion. With increasing population, expanding urban areas, and a growing number of private vehicles, the city’s roads remain heavily packed throughout the day, making traffic management an increasingly demanding task.

In a recent move to improve visibility and reinforce professional identity, the Guwahati Traffic Police reintroduced their traditional white uniforms on August 16, 2025, after an eight-year gap, replacing the navy-blue and sky-blue attire introduced in 2017. The decision followed a detailed review, with officials noting that the earlier uniforms often blended into the urban backdrop and reduced the officers’ authoritative presence. The return to white was aimed at enhancing visibility and approachability on busy city roads.

However, while the crisp white uniform may symbolise authority and improved visibility, it does little to address a far more pressing concern – the safety of personnel on the ground.

Amid congested intersections, long peak-hour jams, and unpredictable road conditions, traffic police personnel continue to work tirelessly, often putting their lives at risk. A serious safety gap remains evident: many officers are still seen on duty without fluorescent or reflective jackets – a basic and essential requirement for road safety.

Fluorescent jackets are not merely accessories but critical protective gear designed to ensure visibility, especially during low-light conditions, rain, or heavy traffic. Ironically, while the shift to white uniforms was intended to improve visibility, the absence of reflective safety jackets significantly undermines that very objective.

For personnel who spend hours exposed to fast-moving traffic, dust, and sudden weather changes, the risks are real and constant. As one traffic constable pointed out, even maintaining the white uniform is a challenge amid rain and muddy roads – further complicating their already demanding duty.

The situation raises an important question: is changing the colour of the uniform enough, if the basic safety measures remain unaddressed?

Providing and strictly enforcing the use of reflective jackets could serve as a simple yet highly effective step towards safeguarding the lives of traffic police personnel. As Guwahati continues to grow and its roads become busier, ensuring the safety of those who manage the chaos is not just necessary – it is urgent.

After all, in a city that depends on them to maintain order on the roads, it is only fair to ask: who protects the protectors?

• D. Dutta