Mohali MLA requests e-challan revenue for traffic improvements

Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh is asking for all the money collected from e-challans, which are fines given for traffic violations captured by CCTV cameras. He wants this revenue to help improve traffic management in the district. As of Monday, Mohali police had issued e-challans worth ₹2 crore but had only collected ₹8 lakh from violators. Many of these violations included running red lights and driving without helmets. These issues indicate a serious disregard for traffic laws, leading to accidents and chaos on the roads. Singh plans to send a proposal to the state government, aiming to increase surveillance in Mohali. He wants to cover 70% of the area with cameras to enhance safety and crime detection. The funds would also help maintain existing equipment, pay internet bills, and improve traffic lights. At the same time, a senior police officer mentioned that the police want a portion of the revenue for their own needs. They aim to use the money to improve their surveillance and infrastructure for better policing. Currently, the money from e-challans goes to the state transport department and is deposited in the state treasury. The City Surveillance and Traffic Management System in Mohali includes 405 CCTV cameras at 20 major intersections. This project, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on March 6, cost ₹21.60 crore. The cameras are monitored at an Integrated Command and Control Centre, with operators watching for violations 24/7. Violators receive e-challans on their mobile phones, which include photographs of their offenses. The system is automated and linked to national databases for easy enforcement.