Bihar Expands Automated E-Challan System to 41 Toll Plazas for Enhanced Road Safety
In a significant move to bolster road safety and ensure strict compliance by vehicles across the state, the Bihar transport department has expanded its automatic e-challan system to cover 41 toll plazas. This expansion leverages advanced e-detection technology to enforce regulations more effectively.
Expansion from 31 to 41 Toll Plazas
Previously operational at 31 toll plazas, the system has now been extended to include 10 additional locations. This strategic expansion aims to create a more comprehensive enforcement network throughout Bihar, targeting vehicles with expired or invalid documents.
Vehicles passing through these toll plazas that lack up-to-date documents—such as fitness certificates, insurance, or pollution under control (PUC) certificates—will automatically receive an online e-challan. This process occurs without any manual intervention, streamlining enforcement and reducing delays.
Positive Results and Official Statements
Transport Secretary Raj Kumar highlighted the positive outcomes from the earlier implementation at 31 toll plazas, noting that it significantly promoted rule adherence among vehicle owners. “Seeing the impact, we extended the system to additional toll plazas to make enforcement more effective throughout the state,” he stated.
Kumar further appealed to all vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles' fitness, pollution, and insurance certificates in current status to avoid penalties. “Timely renewal of these documents is essential for road safety and compliance with motor vehicle rules,” he emphasized.
How the E-Detection System Works
The e-detection system integrates seamlessly with the central vehicle registration database, which is managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). High-resolution cameras installed at the toll plazas scan each vehicle's number plate or FASTag as it passes through.
This data is then cross-verified against the national Vahan database in real-time. If any required document is found to be missing, expired, or non-compliant, an e-challan is instantly generated and sent directly to the vehicle owner's registered phone number.
Benefits of the Automated Approach
The automated system offers multiple advantages, including:
- Transparency: Eliminates human bias and ensures consistent application of rules.
- Reduced Congestion: Minimizes delays at toll plazas by automating the enforcement process.
- Enhanced Safety: Deters unsafe vehicles from operating on roads, thereby reducing accident risks.
- Environmental Protection: Targets vehicles without valid pollution clearance, helping to mitigate environmental hazards.
Officials have stressed that unfit vehicles—those lacking valid fitness checks or pollution clearance—pose serious risks, contributing not only to accidents but also to environmental degradation. By expanding this system, Bihar aims to create safer and more compliant roadways for all users.
