Chandigarh, Aug 26 - Emulating many other states of India, the police in Punjab are set to rope in citizens to act as traffic marshals.

'This is a pilot project initiated by state Director General of Police (DGP) P.S Gill and it will be launched in six major cities of the state on Aug 28,' a police spokesperson said here Wednesday.

'In the first phase, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bhatinda and Mohali will have traffic marshals,' he added. 'Based on feedback, other cities will also be covered under this project. Each city will have 15 to 20 traffic marshals with clean background and an aptitude for voluntary service.'

Selected traffic marshals will interact with traffic police in their own neighbourhoods and will supervise the work of traffic staff. They will also interact with the public as needed.

The traffic marshals will undergo a short sensitisation course designed for them.

'While selecting these traffic marshals their age, educational background, profession and sphere of social service will be taken into consideration. These marshals would be issued badges and name-plates of approved design so that they can be recognised from a distance,' the spokesperson said.