Mumbai traffic police issued 18,818 e-challans during Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai, Thane and surrounding areas, collecting fines totalling Rs 1.92 crore for violations including riding without helmets, obstructing traffic and unsafe driving.
The enforcement operation focused on Govinda groups and other motorists travelling to and from celebration venues. Traffic police and local police personnel were deployed at multiple locations to manage congestion and prevent violations during the festival.
The highest number of cases involved traffic obstruction, with 3,727 e-challans issued. Police also booked 3,249 riders for travelling without helmets and 1,478 motorists for jumping signals. A further 734 cases involved driving on the wrong side of the road, while 476 motorists were penalised for using restricted-entry or one-way roads.
Other violations recorded during the operation included travelling three-up on a two-wheeler, dangerous or unsafe driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Police issued 301 e-challans for triple riding and 25 for drunk driving, according to the enforcement details reported by Loksatta.
The action came as Govinda groups travelled on motorcycles and other vehicles after participating in human-pyramid events across the Mumbai metropolitan region. Police said the enforcement was undertaken to prioritise road safety and prevent vehicles associated with the celebrations from disrupting traffic movement.
In Mulund, traffic police stopped Govinda groups returning from Dahi Handi events using barricades. Several riders were reportedly found travelling without helmets or carrying three people on a single two-wheeler and were fined. The enforcement process also led to arguments between some Govindas and police personnel at certain locations.
The operation represents a sharp increase from the previous year’s reported enforcement. During last year’s Dahi Handi celebrations, traffic police took action against 10,051 Govindas and imposed fines amounting to Rs 1.13 crore and Rs 57,250. The latest operation therefore involved 8,767 more cases than the previous year, while the reported penalty amount was also higher.
The violations covered both movement-related offences, such as obstruction and driving against traffic, and direct road-safety risks, including helmet violations, triple riding and drunk driving. The traffic police deployment was intended to keep roads open around celebration areas while allowing festival-related movement to continue.
The reported enforcement figures provide the latest official account of traffic action linked to the Dahi Handi celebrations. Police action at festival locations and on routes used by returning Govinda groups is expected to remain focused on preventing obstruction and enforcing road-safety rules.
