Paying for traffic challan is soon to become as easy and convenient as making payments for online shopping. The Transport Department is working on implementing a system that will automatically send the traffic challan to rule violators’ phones via text message or WhatsApp. It will detail the violation and the fine for the same. The system is planned to be launched as a pilot project in certain cities first.
The simplification of the payment process by the Transport Department includes offering violators to make online payments. The traffic challan will be sent via an SMS or WhatsApp message which will have a link for online payment. As soon as the link is clicked, the violator will be directed to a payment gateway with various UPI options ranging from Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm and BHIM.
Once the challan’s payment is done through a UPI app, a push notification will be sent every time a new challan is generated. Initially, the system will be introduced for transport-related challans. The feedback will be shared with the Traffic Department who will take action against the violations. The Transport Department is responsible for enforcing pollution control regulations, making sure the vehicle has a valid PUC and checking for overloaded vehicles.
As of now, the agencies cannot send messages to the rule violators whose numbers they do not have. WhatsApp has become one of the most efficient ways for cashless transactions which has prompted the officials to send information to the rule violators. As per the officials, this will help the government increase their revenue as many people ignore paying fines online or are unaware that they have fines pending.
While this is in the pilot stage, vehicle owners currently use the Transport Department’s e-challan website to pay fines. In this case, many people do not receive any SMS notification for their pending fines or challans. However, once the new system is implemented, this issue will be resolved.
