Traffic fine recovery falls to four-year low in Faridabad

The recovery of traffic fines in Faridabad has hit a four-year low, with authorities managing to collect only 23.57% of the total penalties imposed in 2024. Against fines amounting to Rs 45.85 crore, only Rs 10.81 crore has been recovered, leaving over Rs 35 crore unpaid.

Recovery over the years

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2024: Rs 45.85 crore imposed, ₹10.81 crore recovered (23.57%)

2023: ₹39.56 crore imposed, ₹11.04 crore recovered (27.91%)

2022: 44.13% recovery

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2021: 49.99% recovery

2020: 20.06% recovery

This recovery rate is 4.34% lower than in 2023, when 27.91% of the imposed penalties were collected. In comparison, recovery stood at 44.13% in 2022 and 49.99% in 2021, years when traffic movement was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The worst collection was in 2020, at 20.06%.

Despite a record 4,73,496 challans issued in 2024 — 11.29% more than in 2023 — collection remains dismal. The first two months of 2025 have already seen 1,33,581 challans worth Rs 1.10 crore, with four-wheeler drivers accounting for the most violations, followed by two-wheelers.

Officials attribute the decline in collection primarily to police engagement in election-related duties, which lasted over six months. Additionally, social activist Ajay Bahl pointed out procedural lapses in the issuance of challans. "Many fines are difficult to collect due to errors in the issuance process. Some challans were sent from areas without official traffic violation notifications, making them legally contestable," he said.

Yashpal, police department spokesperson, acknowledged the shortfall, stating, "All necessary measures are being taken to regulate traffic and curb violations. However, engagement of police in duties beyond traffic management has affected recovery."