Punjab Sees Sharp Rise in Traffic Enforcement with Over 10 Lakh Challans
In a massive crackdown on traffic violations, authorities in Punjab have issued more than 10 lakh challans in the first three months of 2025 alone. The state’s transport and traffic enforcement agencies have intensified monitoring across cities and highways, aiming to improve road safety and discipline amid rising accident rates.
According to officials, this sharp increase in penalties comes as part of a state-wide initiative to strengthen traffic law enforcement through both on-ground checks and high-tech surveillance systems. The majority of these challans were issued for common violations such as overspeeding, jumping red lights, not wearing helmets or seatbelts, and driving without valid documents.
Data-Driven Policing and E-Enforcement Drive Surge in Penalties
Officials from the Punjab Transport Department revealed that the jump in challans is largely driven by the integration of automated systems, including AI-enabled cameras, dashboard monitoring, and e-challan platforms that have streamlined the penalty process.
The e-challan system allows traffic police to identify violations in real time and issue penalties without requiring physical interception. Many challans were issued through these automated tools, especially in urban areas like Ludhiana, Amritsar, Mohali, and Patiala, where digital surveillance infrastructure has been scaled up significantly.
Focus on Habitual Offenders and Road Safety Awareness
Authorities have also launched targeted campaigns against habitual offenders, including commercial vehicle drivers and repeat rule violators. Vehicle seizure drives and license suspension actions have also picked up pace.
Alongside enforcement, awareness campaigns have been rolled out in schools, colleges, and public spaces to educate citizens about traffic rules and the importance of responsible driving. Officials emphasized that enforcement is not just punitive but part of a broader goal to reduce road accidents and fatalities.
State Pushes for Long-Term Road Safety Culture
The Punjab government has made road safety a key policy focus for 2025, aligning with national targets to reduce traffic-related deaths. The surge in challans is expected to continue, as authorities promise more robust checks, tighter enforcement, and expansion of tech-based systems across smaller towns and highways.
Citizens with outstanding challans have been urged to clear their dues promptly through official portals to avoid legal consequences. Officials warn that repeated non-payment could lead to vehicle blacklisting or registration cancellation in the future.
