Chandigarh, November 27: Haryana is issuing an average 192 challans a day for drunk driving this year, signalling a sharp rise in violations as the state continues to record one of the highest road fatality burdens, official data shows.
Gurugram reported the most challans at 24,972, followed by Faridabad (7,402), Karnal (4,851), Panchkula (4,180) and Jind (3,109). Between January 1 and November 24, police issued 63,073 challans for the offence.
Haryana has already registered around 4,000 road deaths from January to October—roughly 13 fatalities per day. The state recorded 4,968 deaths in 2023, continuing an upward trend from 2020.
Police said the numbers reflect “intensified monitoring in major urban areas where night-time traffic creates higher risk.”
Regular special drives are underway across all districts. “Haryana Police are not willing to show any leniency towards such dangerous behaviour,” a statement said. “This drive has prevented countless accidents and strengthened traffic discipline.”
At a road safety review on November 20, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini directed officers to act firmly on drunk driving, speeding and overloading. He also ordered the appointment of a nodal officer to streamline coordination on accident-related issues.
Under new instructions, police teams equipped with alco-sensors and e-challan machines have been posted at all toll plazas from 6 pm to 10 pm. “This initiative is playing a crucial role in enhancing highway safety,” a spokesperson said.
Police reiterated that enforcement is only part of the aim. “Challans are not the final objective; they are a way to make people realise the value of their own life and the lives of others,” the statement said. Citizens were urged to advise friends and family against driving after drinking.
“Safe driving is the real safety shield on the road,” police said.
