Ahmedabad Intensifies Traffic Enforcement 2,220 Licences Suspended
In a move to improve road safety and enforce traffic regulations more stringently, Ahmedabad’s traffic police have escalated their efforts, resulting in a significant rise in licence suspensions for traffic violators. Data released by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Ahmedabad reveals that in 2024, approximately 2,220 driving licences were suspended, nearly three times the 777 suspensions in 2023. This dramatic rise reflects a clear intent to deter reckless driving and ensure a safer environment for commuters in the city. With a steady increase in the number of traffic violations over the years, the authorities have adopted a zero-tolerance policy, making this year’s numbers a pivotal milestone in their efforts to curb traffic offences.
The surge in licence suspensions has been attributed to the crackdown on repeat offenders, with many individuals facing suspension for being caught violating traffic rules multiple times. RTO Ahmedabad’s Regional Transport Officer, J.J. Patel, stated that strict action is being taken against motorists who have been booked more than three times for violations. “The ongoing suspension process is expected to continue, as several applications are still pending,” Patel said. He further emphasised that the increased suspension of driving licences would serve as a deterrent to those who disregard traffic laws and opt to ignore fines. This focus on repeat offenders signals a shift towards tougher enforcement, where minor violations no longer go unpunished.
According to Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) N. N. Chaudhari, a significant portion of the cases referred to the RTO for suspension concerns recurring violations of key safety rules, such as the mandatory helmet law, which accounts for about 50% of the cases. Other infractions like wrong-side driving make up around 20% of the violations, while the remaining 30% pertain to various other offences. The most alarming takeaway from these statistics is that a large proportion of motorists continue to disregard fundamental road safety measures, despite increasing enforcement and awareness campaigns.
While the rise in traffic penalties is evident, there is a marked difference in the number of e-challans issued in recent years. In 2024, the number of e-challans surged to 6,79,652, a significant increase compared to 3,51,505 in 2023. This uptick in digital enforcement highlights a growing reliance on technology to streamline traffic monitoring and ensure that violators are held accountable. However, while the crackdown intensifies, Ahmedabad’s traffic woes remain an urban challenge, and the spike in fines may not be enough to address the city’s larger infrastructure problems. The larger question remains whether the city’s traffic system is equipped to handle such rigorous enforcement or if broader reforms are needed to create long-term solutions.
From a sustainability perspective, the heightened crackdown on traffic violations aligns with broader urban goals of ensuring safer roads and promoting responsible driving. However, it also brings into focus the urgent need for smarter urban planning. With rising population density and a growing number of vehicles, Ahmedabad faces a mounting challenge to balance road safety enforcement with the need for sustainable mobility. A focus on mass transit systems, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure would not only help in reducing traffic violations but also significantly cut down on pollution and carbon emissions. In the long run, such measures will be key to ensuring that the city’s infrastructure can cope with increasing demands while also fostering a cleaner, greener environment.
In conclusion, Ahmedabad’s increased traffic law enforcement is a critical step towards curbing dangerous driving practices, but it is not a solution in isolation. For the crackdown to yield meaningful results, the city must look at broader, sustainable urban planning strategies that address both infrastructure and mobility challenges. While the rise in licence suspensions signals a stronger commitment to road safety, only a comprehensive approach that combines strict enforcement with smarter infrastructure solutions can ensure lasting change.
