Uttarakhand police to ride Harley Davidson and BMW bikes to keep pace with stunt bikers

DEHRADUN: To keep pace with high-speed and high-end motorcycles used by stunt bikers and locals, Uttarakhand Traffic Directorate has proposed a Rs 1.6 crore-plan to equip traffic police with eight Harley Davidson or BMW motorcycles.
Following initial approval from the state govt, these advanced two-wheelers are expected to join the traffic department soon.
Director of traffic Mukhtar Mohsin told TOI, “These motorcycles will be stationed near interstate borders, black spots, as well as accident-prone areas.”
Mohsin added that other aspects of enhancing traffic management were discussed in a recent meeting presided over by chief secretary Radha Raturi. From Jan to April this year, two-wheelers were involved in 98 accidents, resulting in 44 deaths and 90 injuries. During the same period in 2023, there were 84 accidents, leading to 39 deaths and 54 injuries, and in 2022, 86 accidents caused 33 deaths and 66 injuries.
Explaining the need for high-tech motorcycles, Mohsin said, “Many stunt bikers and riders use advanced motorcycles. To enforce traffic norms and combat crime, we need high-tech two-wheelers capable of matching their speed.”
Additionally, the traffic department plans to install 147 convex mirrors worth Rs 9.5 lakh at accident-prone road turns in the state. The govt has also approved a Rs 14.7 lakh-project to provide body-worn cameras for the police.
The traffic department’s proposal also includes 1,243 shoulder lights for police and purchase of drones worth Rs 70 lakh to enhance traffic management in the state. Also in the works are radar speed signs with cameras at 10 key locations in Uttarakhand.