Traffic marshals were introduced in July 2024 toa assist the Cyberabad traffic police in regulating traffic in the bustling IT corridor and other parts of the commissionerate
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Dressed in white crisp shirts and navy-blue pants with traffic caps perched atop their heads and neon safety vests securely fastened, five transgender individuals will soon be seen managing commuters at key junctions in the Cyberabad commissionerate. They will be joining the 97 traffic marshals who were deployed through the past year to regulate traffic in the bustling IT corridor and other parts of Cyberabad.
Jareena, Vishalakshi, Anusha, Prabas and Vasu Priya, all aged between 20 and 30 years, will make the first batch of transgender traffic marshals in the Telangana State and will officially take up their roles in April, after completing a week-long training programme.
The initiative was introduced after a meeting on March 26, led by Cyberabad Women and Children Safety Wing DCP Srujana Karnam. The meeting included 45 transgender gurus from the tri-commissionerates of the twin cities, including Chandramukhi Muvvala, a transwoman activist and the first from the community to contest elections in the two Telugu states. During the discussion, Muvvala recommended eight individuals for the role, of which five have been recruited so far.
“These individuals have been selected through a thorough recruitment process involving background checks, physical test and education qualifications among other aspects. They will work in two shifts during the peak traffic hours—from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.—similar to other traffic marshals,” Karnam confirmed. Their recruitment follows the recent deployment of traffic assistants in the Hyderabad police force.
This initiative builds on the Cyberabad police’s effort in July 2024, when 83 traffic marshals were introduced in collaboration with the Society of Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC). While IT and ITes companies sponsor the traffic marshal salaries, the police department handles their training and deployment.
Madhapur Traffic DCP T. Sai Manohar stated that the five recruits have been assigned to the traffic department, and their training will begin after the festive holidays. “Their training will be the same as that of other traffic marshals, covering traffic regulations, physical endurance and techniques for managing congestion and other road safety challenges,” he explained.
To ensure a smooth transition into their new roles, the Cyberabad women safety wing is working on securing accommodation close to the police station, allowing easy access to their workplace. “The traffic marshals will receive a monthly salary of ₹12,000-₹15,000, after deducting a small amount for accommodation expenses. The necessary documentation, including transgender certificates, Aadhaar card updates and joining letter will be given to formalise their employment,” Karnam added.
Additionally, efforts are being made to deploy the traffic marshals in teams and in nearby police stations to improve coordination and support. Recognising the challenges transgender individuals often face in professional settings, the authorities are also in the process of appointing a transgender psychologist to provide regular counselling and support, to reduce the likelihood of job dropouts.
The initiative includes an incentive/long-term opportunity, the official said—those who complete at least three months as traffic marshals will be considered for jobs in the IT sector and possibly within the police department, offering them career growth and financial stability.
Published – March 30, 2025 10:51 am IST
