Overview
- The traffic department began a limited pilot at busy junctions including Teen Murti and Tughlaq Road, deploying prototype cooling helmets to officers while the city faces an intense heatwave.
- Police logistics teams say the helmets use rechargeable batteries and solar assistance and can lower temperature around the head by about 8 to 12 degrees Celsius compared with ambient air.
- Reports note variation in claimed runtimes with some officers saying the systems run four to five hours and others reporting longer charges, which is why officials are testing usability and battery life in the field.
- The helmet trial is paired with other measures such as rechargeable clip‑on and table fans, refrigerated hydration vans supplying chilled water and ORS, temporary shade booths and on‑site medical support.
- Saharanpur police have run a separate 50‑helmet trial and experts and the public have praised the move, with officials saying a successful evaluation could prompt wider use for traffic staff and other outdoor workers.