The Andaman and Nicobar Police inaugurated the Centre for Traffic Education and Simulation (CTES) today at Sri Vijaya Puram, marking a significant step in the administration’s efforts to enhance road safety awareness through experiential learning. The state-of-the-art facility, open to the general public, combines interactive exhibits, virtual driving simulations, and educational activities designed to cultivate safe road habits among citizens, especially young learners.
The centre was inaugurated by Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal, Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in the presence of senior officers, representatives of the Transport Department, and students from JNRM, NCC, and local schools. The event also saw the DGP distribute helmets to students, plant a sapling in the premises, and flag off a children’s cycle rally within the park , symbolizing the Administration’s focus on community-driven safety education.
The CTES represents the transformation of the erstwhile Children’s Traffic Park, which was originally established in 1994 to teach schoolchildren the basics of road discipline. After being rebuilt in 2005 following the tsunami, the park has now evolved into a modern facility integrating digital tools and real-life simulation environments to offer immersive learning experiences.
According to the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), the new centre has been designed to bring a hands-on approach to traffic education. The facility’s Car Driving Simulation Hall allows users to experience real-time driving scenarios that teach hazard perception, road sign interpretation, and decision-making under various traffic conditions. This approach is expected to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical road experience, particularly for first-time drivers and school students.
One of the unique features of the centre is the introduction of two safety mascots , ‘Hasmukh Lal’ and ‘Kadak Singh’ , developed to make traffic learning more engaging and relatable for children. These mascots, through visual storytelling and interactive exhibits, are aimed at embedding core messages of caution, awareness, and responsibility among young visitors.
Another highlight is the Dummy License Zone, where participants can engage in traffic quizzes and earn reward points to simulate the process of obtaining a driving license. The idea behind this gamified approach is to encourage adherence to traffic rules in a fun, memorable way. The initiative also seeks to instill accountability from a young age, helping reduce violations in the long run.
The CTES is fully equipped with CCTV coverage, fire-safety systems, and APWD-certified electrical safety features, ensuring a secure and compliant learning environment. The infrastructure has been developed with attention to safety, accessibility, and inclusivity, making it suitable for a broad range of visitors including students, parents, and drivers undergoing training.
Officials noted that the launch of the CTES aligns with the broader objective of the Andaman and Nicobar Police to modernize traffic management and raise public awareness about responsible driving. The facility is expected to serve as both an educational park and a research hub where patterns of road user behavior can be studied and improved upon through data-driven interventions.
Teachers and students present at the inauguration expressed enthusiasm about the learning opportunities offered by the centre, emphasizing that interactive models and simulation-based experiences would likely have a stronger impact than conventional classroom lessons on road safety.
With increasing vehicular density in Sri Vijaya Puram and other parts of the islands, the establishment of CTES comes at a critical juncture. Authorities hope the centre will become a cornerstone of community participation in traffic discipline, fostering a culture where awareness precedes enforcement.
The inauguration of the Centre for Traffic Education and Simulation thus marks a forward-looking approach by the A&N Police, blending technology, education, and civic engagement to make the islands’ roads safer for everyone.
