E-challan system to be recast ahead of new grievance rules

In a bid to facilitate the rollout of Delhi govt’s new traffic challan settlement and grievance redressal framework, Delhi Traffic Police has begun revamping its e-challan system. Officials said the upgraded platform is expected to be ready within a month.

The revamp is aimed at supporting the proposed digital grievance redressal mechanism and creating a structured workflow covering challan issuance, grievance filing, penalty payments and court referrals. “Earlier, most violators approached courts directly. Under the MoRTH gazette notification dated Jan 20, 2026, a person whose grievance is rejected by the grievance redressal officer will have to deposit 50% of the challan amount before moving court. The e-challan machines are also being upgraded accordingly,” said DCP (Traffic Headquarters) SK Singh.

He added that Delhi Traffic Police is strengthening the on-the-spot challan mechanism by making photographs of the violator, vehicle and prosecuting officer mandatory, a move aimed at improving accountability and transparency.

Officials said the new mechanism is expected to reduce the burden on courts by introducing a digital grievance redressal stage before cases reach the judiciary. Last month, chief minister Rekha Gupta announced that the Delhi govt would soon implement the amended provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules related to traffic challans.

Under the revised rules, a violator will have 45 days from the date of challan issuance to either pay the penalty or challenge it online before a grievance redressal officer. If no action is taken during this period, the challan will be treated as accepted and the penalty must be paid within the next 30 days. If the violator still approaches court after the grievance is rejected, depositing 50% of the penalty amount will be mandatory.

The upgraded platform will also integrate challans generated through Delhi’s automated enforcement network, including CCTV cameras and other digital surveillance systems.

According to officials, e-challans will be delivered within three days when the violator’s mobile number is available in govt records. If mobile numbers are unavailable, physical notices will be issued within 15 days. The online portal will capture every stage of the process, including challan issuance, grievance proceedings, payments and final disposal, creating a transparent digital trail.