GURGAON: In a crackdown on traffic violations, police issued 14,359 challans in just seven days, collecting fines worth ₹1.7 crore.The drive, carried out from March 23 to 29, saw strict enforcement on major corridors, including the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway, Dwarka Expressway, and Mumbai Expressway. Wrong-side driving topped the list of violations, with 1,521 challans issued.So far this year, around 25 people have been booked for wrong-side driving. Offenders were identified through social media monitoring, field patrolling, and traffic inspections, officials said.During the week-long drive, 1,045 challans were issued to pillion riders without helmets, 770 for not wearing seatbelts, 946 for riding without helmets, and 547 for drunk driving. Additionally, 1,233 challans were issued for wrong parking.To curb accidents, traffic police began registering FIRs against serious offenders involved in wrong-side driving from Jan 1. These cases have been lodged under sections 125(a) (acts endangering life due to rash or negligent conduct) and 281 (rash driving) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Section 184 (dangerous driving) of the Motor Vehicles Act. Police said continued violations, especially on highways and major arterial roads, have made stricter legal action necessary.Despite several fatalities linked to wrong-side driving last year, the offence continues unabated. In 2025, 2,03,936 drivers were challaned, officials said. The offence remains rampant in several busy areas, including Shankar Chowk, Udyog Vihar, Rajiv Chowk, Sikandarpur, MG Road, and national highways.“People need to understand that traffic violations can save time but cost lives. Driving on the wrong side, jumping red lights, or speeding puts commuters at risk. Everyone must drive responsibly,” said Rajesh Mohan, DCP (Traffic). He added that the department is running awareness programmes, issuing challans both manually and through surveillance systems, and recognising “traffic heroes” to encourage compliance.Police said technology played a key role in the enforcement drive, with 1,787 challans issued through NHAI cameras and drone surveillance. “These high-tech eyes in the sky specifically targeted lane-change violations and speeding on expressways,” said ASI Vikas Verma, traffic police spokesperson.To strengthen the city’s overstretched traffic force, the department is enrolling citizens as “Traffic Mitras.” More than 188 residents have applied so far, while 800 traffic marshals have been appointed in collaboration with various institutions. Verma said 39 Traffic Mitras have already completed their training at the IRTE Centre.Beyond enforcement, traffic police deployed the “Suraksha Rath” to 16 locations, reaching out to over 640 students and residents. The mobile awareness unit focused on key road safety rules, including staying in lanes, avoiding mobile phone use while driving, and adhering to speed limits. Police urged residents to cooperate with the campaign to ensure safer and more disciplined commuting across the city.
