Delhi traffic police FIRs for wrong-side driving raise hopes of stronger enforcement

On-the-spot challans were highest at Kalindi Kunj in Sarita Vihar, with 2,756 cases, followed by Pandav Nagar and Khajuri Chowk.

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A new initiative under which FIRs will be lodged against motorists driving against the flow of traffic has renewed hope among residents that the growing menace of wrong-side driving will be finally be tackled.

Over time, wrong-side driving has shifted from being seen as reckless behaviour to an everyday practice. Cars, two-wheelers and even auto-rickshaws routinely enter the opposite lanes to avoid long U-turns, putting themselves and others at risk. From underpasses and flyover loops to service lanes and busy intersections, the violation has become a common sight, turning routine commutes into dangerous encounters.

Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) data from 2025 underlines the scale of the problem. Among notices issued through cameras or other technology-based inputs, Rohini Sector 23 topped the list with 2,008 cases, followed by Bhopura border in Nand Nagri and New Friends Colony. Other hotspots included Khajuri Chowk, Mayur Vihar and Bhajanpura.

On-the-spot challans were highest at Kalindi Kunj in Sarita Vihar, with 2,756 cases, followed by Pandav Nagar and Khajuri Chowk. Areas like Shastri Park, Seelampur, Pul Mithai and Singhu Border were also among major violation zones.

The East of Kailash RWA said it plans to write to Delhi govt and DTP to flag persistent violations in the area. “The association wants to urge govt to direct the departments concerned, including DTP, MCD, PWD and the district administration, to take immediate and time-bound corrective action,” RWA president Vishal Rajpal said.”This includes strict enforcement against wrong-side driving and unregistered vehicles, removal of illegally parked commercial vehicles, clearance of encroachments from pavements, deployment of traffic personnel during peak hours, and restoration of pedestrian infrastructure and safety,” he added.A courier shop owner from Sant Nagar said he was willing to act as a witness. “We see wrong-side driving by two-wheelers round the clock. If drivers are stopped or questioned, many argue or even turn aggressive,” he added.

Karan Aggarwal, a resident of East of Kailash, said pedestrians and residents are hoping writing to govt shows some positive results. “We repeatedly inform govt through WhatsApp messages and letters about stretches where vehicles drive on the wrong side daily. These locations become accident-prone,” he said, citing Raja Dhir Sen Marg, where dark store vehicles frequently drive against traffic and park in a haphazard manner, leaving pedestrians at serious risk.

Tushali Bansal, a resident of Rohini, said the area where she lives is largely residential, and many people rely on two-wheelers for daily errands. “Over time, wrong-side driving has almost become a habit. Sector 23 and nearby areas are still underdeveloped in parts, so people are often less mindful on the roads. Registering FIRs is a good step, and it’s encouraging that the authorities are thinking along these lines, but visible on-ground presence makes a big difference — when enforcement is seen, people immediately start following the rules,” she said.