Karnataka govt settles 8.82 lakh pending traffic e-challans, collects Rs 26.37 cr in 18 days
Bengaluru, July 9
The Karnataka government has said that over 8.82 lakh pending traffic e-challan cases have been settled since it introduced a 50 per cent concession on fines, with the state collecting more than Rs 26.37 crore under the scheme in 18 days, as per the release.
According to an order issued vide No: TD 27 TDO 2023 dated June 21, the concession came into effect from the same day. The scheme applies to pending cases registered under traffic e-challans by the Police Department.
The state has been grappling with a huge backlog of pending traffic violation cases for years. In Bengaluru alone, crores of rupees worth of e-challans remained unpaid as many vehicle owners delayed payments due to accumulated fines, penalties, and interest.
To tackle this, the government announced the one-time 50% concession as an amnesty scheme. The main objectives were to clear the pending cases, reduce the litigation burden on courts, improve traffic discipline, and boost state revenue by encouraging early settlement.
Similar amnesty schemes have been implemented earlier in states like Maharashtra, Delhi and Telangana, where partial waivers helped in faster disposal of lakhs of pending traffic cases. The Karnataka Police Department has been sending SMS alerts and notifications to vehicle owners, urging them to pay dues online, at Bangalore One centres, or at traffic police stations during the concession window.
As per official data, during the period from June 21 to July 8, a total of 8,82,290 pending cases were settled through all prescribed modes of payment.
The state has collected a total amount of Rs. 26,37,79,300 during these 18 days under the concession scheme.
Authorities said the response has been encouraging and urged people with pending e-challans to make use of the concession before the scheme ends. Officials warned that once the deadline is over, full fines along with additional penalties and possible legal action will resume.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see the government acting on this backlog 😊 I paid my pending challan online yesterday—it was so smooth. But I wish they would also fix the signal timings and zebra crossings. Many times, we get challans for things that aren't even our fault! They should use the collected money for better roads and traffic management.
Honestly, this is a double-edged sword. While it's good for clearing cases, it also encourages people to keep delaying payments because they know amnesty will come eventually. I paid my challans on time, and now I feel like I've been penalised for being responsible! The government should make the fines reasonable in the first place rather than this stop-gap arrangement.
Great initiative! I cleared three challans from 2022 today. The online system works well—paid through BHIM app in seconds. But can we talk about the fact that many challans are issued due to poorly designed roads and confusing signs? I hope the government uses this Rs 26.37 crore to actually improve Bengaluru's traffic situation. 🚦
Ek number move hai yeh! (This is a top-notch move!) My brother-in-law had a challan of Rs 5,000 reduced to Rs 2,500. But why is the government always doing 50% off? They should just reduce the base fine amounts for minor violations like wrong parking or helmetless riding. Make the fines reasonable and people will pay on time without needing these schemes every few years.
S Shreya B This We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.