On most days, navigating Siliguri’s busy roads can feel like a lottery—sometimes you sail through effortlessly, and on other days, one bottleneck is all it takes to derail an entire plan. But commuters and tourists moving through this crucial gateway to the Northeast are set to get a little breathing room. The Siliguri Metropolitan Police has launched a new FM-based traffic bulletin system designed to keep everyone better informed, better prepared, and far less stressed.
The initiative, which went live this week, marks a significant upgrade in how the city communicates its traffic situation. Instead of hurried WhatsApp forwards or last-minute social media updates, travellers can now tune into FM channels and All India Radio for timely, curated bulletins that break down where the city is flowing—and where it isn’t.
At the heart of this new system are twice-daily bulletins, broadcast at 8 am and 4 pm across multiple platforms. The idea is simple but effective: give commuters a snapshot of road conditions before they head out, so travel plans can be adjusted well in advance. Morning travellers get a sense of early congestion points, while evening bulletins map out what to expect the next day.
For a city that sees thousands passing through every day—across New Jalpaiguri station, Siliguri Junction, the Tenzing Norgay Bus Terminus, and Bagdogra airport—such pre-emptive updates can make the difference between a smooth transit and a frustrating gridlock.
The police, too, are putting in serious manpower. Close to 700 traffic personnel are deployed across the metropolitan area on any given day, working to ensure that the city’s growing vehicle population—spiking steadily each year—doesn’t overwhelm its already stretched road infrastructure.
Beyond the fixed bulletins, the system also builds in a mechanism for instant alerts. If a sudden snarl develops—say, because of an accident, a breakdown, a religious procession, or VIP movement—the police can push immediate updates across radio and social media. No more walking into a traffic jam blind.
To make communication more dynamic, local radio jockeys will also host live interactions with traffic officials. These quick-fire conversations are expected to bring a degree of immediacy, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Instead of static advisories, commuters will get live commentary from the ground, straight from officers monitoring the city’s pressure points.
For tourists, this is more than just a convenience—it’s a practical lifesaver. Siliguri’s role as the Northeast’s transit hub means everything from homestay check-ins in Kalimpong to flights out of Bagdogra depend heavily on smooth movement through the city. Festival seasons and long weekends only amplify the pressure.
Service providers—hoteliers, travel agencies, taxi operators—are welcoming the move as well, seeing it as a chance to plan client movement more intelligently and avoid the perennial “stuck near Junction” panic.
The police department is already hinting at further enhancements. Updates that currently go out twice a day on the Siliguri Traffic Official Facebook page may soon shift to an hourly cadence, giving residents and visitors an even more detailed picture of the city’s pulse.
With FM bulletins, instant alerts, coordinated manpower, and stronger communication lines, Siliguri’s traffic management is undergoing a quiet but meaningful shift. For a city that connects so many travellers to the Eastern Himalayas, this new system promises something simple yet transformative: the luxury of predictability on the road.
1. What has the Siliguri Police introduced for traffic updates?
They’ve launched twice-daily traffic bulletins on FM radio, All India Radio, and social media to give commuters real-time road information.
2. When are the traffic bulletins broadcast?
Updates go out at 8am and 4pm every day, with additional alerts issued instantly during sudden disruptions.
3. How will these bulletins help travellers and tourists?
They offer early information on congestion, diversions, and expected slowdowns, helping people plan routes and avoid delays.
4. Which platforms will share the updates?
FM channels, AIR Siliguri, the Siliguri Traffic Official Facebook page, and other social media platforms.
5. Why is this system important for Siliguri?
As a major gateway to the Northeast, Siliguri handles heavy daily traffic. Regular bulletins aim to improve mobility and cut commuter inconvenience.