E-challan system awaits final nod

The impasse over traffic police's much hyped e-challan project is finally over, Subhendu Ray reports.

The impasse over traffic police's much hyped e-challan project is finally over.

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The ministry of home affairs examined the proposal and sent it to the Delhi government for final approval last week.

The proposal now requires a formal go-ahead from the departments of home and finance of Delhi government after which the project to nail serial violators of traffic norms will finally be in place.

Under the new system, penalty slips will be issued electronically through a special GPRS-enabled hand-held device connected to a central server.

"We hope all requisite clearances will be received in a couple of weeks. We will be able to replace age-old manual challan book within one-and-a-half months," said Sudhir Yadav, special commissioner of police (traffic). A total of 1,200 e-enforcement devices will be used, he said.

"Once the system is in place, we will be able to realise challan of at least Rs. 120 crore per annum, about three times the average annual amount of Rs. 45 crore," said a traffic police officer.