Delhi, UP traffic police turn to AC helmets to battle extreme heatwave

Saharanpur Police has started a trial of air-conditioned helmets for traffic constables, with Delhi Police using similar gear and portable fans. The move is aimed at reducing heat stress, exhaustion and heatstroke risk during long hours on outdoor duty.

In Short

• Saharanpur police has begun a trial with 50 cooling helmets
• Helmets use lithium batteries and solar-assisted systems to regulate head temperature
• Busy junction staff were prioritised because direct sunlight exposure is highest

As temperatures continue to soar across North India, traffic police personnel standing for hours under the blazing sun are finally getting some technological relief. In Saharanpur, the police department has introduced air-conditioned helmets for traffic constables, while Delhi Police has also been using AC helmets and portable fans to help personnel cope with the brutal summer heat.

The specially designed helmets are equipped with a cooling system powered by lithium batteries. Officials said the helmets function as solar-assisted cooling devices that help regulate head temperature and protect personnel from heatstroke during long outdoor duty hours.

At present, Saharanpur Police has distributed 50 AC helmets on a trial basis, even though nearly 150 traffic personnel are deployed across the district. The helmets have been prioritised for officers stationed at busy intersections where exposure to direct sunlight remains the highest.

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Traffic constable Shobhit Kumar said the intense heat earlier made duty extremely exhausting. However, after using the AC helmet, the difference has been significant. According to him, the helmet continuously circulates cool air, helping keep the head cool even during peak afternoon temperatures.

Another constable, Rajesh Kumar, explained that the cooling system operates through a battery attached around the waist. He said the battery takes around three to four hours to charge and can function for approximately four to five hours afterward. Earlier, traffic personnel constantly had to wipe sweat while handling vehicles on the road, but now the cooling helmets have brought considerable relief.

Officials believe the initiative could improve both efficiency and health conditions for traffic personnel working outdoors during heatwave conditions. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures often causes dehydration, exhaustion, dizziness, and heatstroke risks among officers managing traffic on crowded roads.

The move has also drawn attention online, with many social media users praising the use of practical technology for frontline workers who spend entire days outdoors. Several users called it a much-needed step, especially as temperatures across several Indian cities continue to remain dangerously high this summer.

(With inputs from Rahul Kumar)

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