Recently, I came across a video of Maharashtra minister’s convoy driving on the wrong side amid a traffic jam and honestly this is nothing new.
Every day you’ll see ministerial cars blazing past red lights escorted by sirens, while ordinary citizens stand still for minutes. Rules it seems, are meant only for the common man.
Not long ago in Hyderabad, people were seen honking in frustration when they were stopped for the CM’s convoy to pass. And I could relate, I once had to miss something really important because the road was blocked 20–30 minutes in advance for a governor’s movement.
𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗼𝘆𝘀?
Security. That’s the official explanation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ “Blue Book” lays down security protocols for dignitaries like the President, Prime Minister. Under these rules, the police can temporarily regulate traffic to ensure safety.
Another reason is threat perception, especially after incidents like assassinations of public figures like Indira Gandhi. It was also to allow uninterrupted travel for leaders ensuring no delay in official functions.
However, in 2018, a court judgment clarified that traffic can be halted for no more than 5–10 minutes for such movements unless it is high-level dignitaries such as the president and the prime minister.
Despite this we often see stoppages lasting far longer, even when it’s not a high-risk situation. So what began as a security measure has turned into a symbol of privilege which leads to inconvenience for thousands daily.
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺
- Ordinary citizens miss flights, interviews and emergencies.
- Even ambulances are sometimes trapped in these “VIP jams”.
- Even local politicians or lesser officials sometimes demand convoys and priority treatment.
- Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru lose thousands of work hours.
- These acts create a sense of inequality. One rule for citizens, another for the powerful.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲?
- Limit stoppages to 2–3 minutes max before the convoy passes.
- Real-time GPS tracking and AI-based traffic management can help synchronize signals without manual roadblocks.
- Police could issue prior alerts via Twitter/X or local apps for scheduled VIP movements.
- Instead of blocking main roads, design specific secure routes like airport.
- Guidelines should cap stoppage times and penalize misuse of privilege.
Security is important but so is respect for public time. Our leaders must remember that roads are public property, not privilege lanes.
True leadership is when those in power don’t just move ahead first but make sure no one else is left waiting behind.