**Bhopal Traffic Police Struggle with Low E-Challan Fine Recovery Despite High Violations**
*Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh):*
Even as the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) keeps a close watch on traffic rule violators in Bhopal and issues e-challans regularly, the majority of offenders have yet to pay their fines. According to data from the city traffic police, e-challan payments remain alarmingly low compared to the number of challans issued.
From January to September this year, a total of 1,54,500 e-challans were generated through ITMS for various traffic violations including red light jumping, not wearing helmets, over-speeding, and triple riding. However, so far only 13,398 violators have cleared their dues.
Out of the total fine amounting to Rs 5,33,02,100, merely Rs 50,13,600 has been collected. This implies that Rs 4.82 crore in penalties is still pending from 1,41,102 offenders.
The data reveals that riding without a helmet continues to be the most common violation recorded by ITMS cameras. Violations for red signal jumping follow closely behind. Over-speeding, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents, has resulted in comparatively fewer challans. Out of 3,759 challans issued for over-speeding, only 760 violators have paid their fines.
Similarly, many two-wheelers carrying three riders have been fined, but compliance with payment in these cases also remains poor.
When examining the month-wise breakdown of challans, July recorded the highest number of e-challans at 24,881. However, the number dropped significantly to 7,179 by the end of September. In May, the figure stood at 10,475 challans.
Additional DCP (traffic) Basant Kumar Kaul stated that while the ITMS has helped identify violators efficiently and issue fines, the main challenge lies in ensuring recovery. He emphasized that the purpose of e-challans is not merely to collect fines but to encourage responsible driving.
**Breakdown of E-Challans Issued (January to September):**
– Not Wearing Helmet: 1,29,137
– Red Light Jumping: 16,898
– Triple Riding: 4,706
– Over-speeding: 3,759
*Story by Farhan Ahmed Siddiqui*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/bhopal/bhopal-news-traffic-fine-pile-up-e-challans-worth-over-5-crore-issued-only-50-lakh-paid-so-far
