18 Lakh Traffic Challans Unpaid as Drivers Speed Past Accountability

7,691 Commuters Have Been Fined 25 Times or More in Chandigarh in Past 5 Years, Reveals RTI Data

- Hillary Victor

CHANDIGARH: A staggering 18 lakh traffic challans issued by Chandigarh Traffic Police since 2020 remain unpaid, highlighting an alarming disregard for traffic laws in the city.

Over the past five years (2020-2024), nearly 30 lakh challans were issued across the city roads to vehicles registered in Chandigarh and outside, as per data obtained under the RTI Act. But a majority of the violators—18 lakh, accounting for 61% of the total—have not responded to the fines.

Of the total 29,97,302 challans, 60% were issued to Chandigarh-registered vehicles, while the rest were for those from outside the city.

Data also shows that as many as 7,691 drivers were penalized 25 times or more in the past five years, underscoring a concerning trend of habitual violations.