Nagpur: Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani has been selected for the prestigious Director General’s (DG) Insignia for 2025, one of Maharashtra Police’s highest recognitions for distinguished service, leadership and commitment to duty.
The honour comes as acknowledgment of Matani’s remarkable contribution in reshaping traffic enforcement and road safety in Nagpur through the highly impactful campaign ‘Operation U-Turn’, which has emerged as a model policing initiative in Maharashtra.
The DG’s Insignia is awarded under various Government Resolutions of the Home Department, Government of Maharashtra, and recognises exceptional service, bravery and dedication shown by police personnel across ranks. Selected officers receive the official insignia along with a citation from the Director General of Police.
How Lohit Matani Changed Nagpur’s Roads
Under Matani’s leadership, Nagpur Traffic Police launched Operation U-Turn with a sharp focus on reducing accidents through data-backed enforcement and strict compliance measures. The campaign primarily targeted habitual violators, drunk drivers and dangerous road behaviour.
Official figures linked to the initiative indicate significant improvements in road safety during 2025. Fatal accidents reportedly declined by nearly 25 per cent year-on-year, while deaths during intensive enforcement phases dropped by over 60 per cent. Serious injuries also saw a steep reduction.
The operation also led to a substantial decline in total accidents in identified periods, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted policing rather than routine enforcement alone.
Strategy Behind ‘Operation U-Turn’
The initiative drew attention for its innovative and practical policing methods. Surprise nakabandis near nightlife zones, deployment of mobile flying squads, mandatory breathalyser checks and stringent action against repeat offenders became key pillars of the campaign.
Alongside drunk driving, the operation cracked down on wrong-side driving, triple-seat riding, helmet violations and rash driving—common causes of urban road crashes.
Matani also emphasised public outreach through awareness drives in schools, colleges and residential areas, blending enforcement with behavioural change.
Nagpur Model Gains Wider Recognition
The success of the initiative was reportedly presented as a case study at Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, showcasing Nagpur’s traffic policing reforms before civil service officers from across the country.
Recognition Well Earned
With the DG Insignia 2025, Maharashtra Police has recognised not just an officer, but a modern policing approach that combines discipline, analytics, visibility and citizen engagement.
For Nagpur, Lohit Matani’s honour reflects how effective traffic policing can save lives, restore order and build public confidence.
