When The City Boils, Helmets Cool - How Delhi’s AC Equipped Headgear Is Turning Relief Into A Safety Tool

Jyoti Rathi - Kolkata Bureau May 26, 2026 850 Views

Delhi Traffic Police have rolled out a pilot kit of AC equipped helmets, portable fans and hydration support to help traffic personnel survive the severe heatwave sweeping the National Capital Region. With temperatures crossing 45 degrees Celsius, the gear is meant to reduce heat stress for officers who spend hours managing traffic at busy junctions.

The initiative comes as Delhi records back to back “red alert” days, with little shade for on duty cops posted at crossings, flyovers and roundabouts. Authorities say the trial is focused on some of the city’s most congested points, where officers are exposed to peak afternoon heat and pollution.

What The New Cooling Gear Includes

Delhi Traffic Police have begun testing solar assisted AC helmets that circulate cool air around the head, cutting temperature inside the helmet by up to around 10–12 degrees Celsius.

Alongside, select personnel are getting portable handheld and table fans, UV sunglasses, water bottles and ORS sachets, with some circles also allotted large umbrellas and water dispensers for shaded, hydrated breaks between signal cycles.

How The Heatwave Is Reshaping Duty Conditions

The pilot is currently limited to about 10 AC helmets and a similar number of portable fans, deployed at high traffic intersections such as the Three Murti roundabout and other key junctions.

Officials say the devices are being evaluated for durability, battery life and comfort during 4–5 hour stretches before any wider rollout, at a time when over 2,000 personnel are typically on road duty during peak summer hours.

Heat Safety Measures In Focus

The broader heat action plan includes distributing roughly 2.5 lakh ORS sachets, installing water coolers and sending additional coolers to traffic circle rest rooms so officers can recover between deployments.

Personnel have also been advised to take short breaks, increase fluid intake and recognise early signs of heatstroke, as Delhi’s urban heat island effect and traffic fumes amplify health risks on the streets.

Heat Protection Highlights

AC helmets on trial reducehead zone temperature for traffic cops on duty. Portable hand fans, water bottles and ORS sachets support hydration during long shifts. Large umbrellas and shaded booths being added where permanent sheds are missing. Around 2,000 field staff targeted under Delhi Traffic Police’s summer safety action plan. Wider rollout of cooli
ng gear will depend on trial feedback on comfort and performance.