Struggling with a 34 per cent vacancy rate, the Mumbai Traffic police have sought assistance from the Maharashtra Security Forces (MSF) to help maintain order on the roads. Many critical intersections and roadways have been left unmanned due to the staff crunch.

Responding to the traffic police’s plea, the state government has deployed 300 MSF personnel to manage traffic in key areas across Mumbai. However, the MSF personnel have limitations in terms of powers — the personnel do not have enforcement powers, such as imposing fines (challans) or confiscating vehicles in cases of traffic violations. Their primary role is to regulate the movement of vehicles and pedestrians throughout the city.