Dehradun Witnesses Alarming 166% Spike in Drunk Driving Challans as Enforcement Intensifies
According to the latest data released by the Dehradun traffic police, the number of challans issued for driving under the influence of alcohol has skyrocketed from 1,824 in 2024 to a staggering 4,868 in 2025. This represents a dramatic 166% increase, highlighting a significant escalation in enforcement efforts across the hill capital.
Officials Cite Stricter Monitoring and Technical Measures
Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Lokjeet Singh attributed this sharp rise to intensified monitoring and the implementation of technical measures aimed at enhancing road safety. "Efforts are being made for better road safety through technical methods. We have intensified enforcement against underage driving as well as driving under the influence of alcohol," he stated.
The data also revealed a concerning surge in challans for underage driving, which jumped from 51 in 2024 to 352 in 2025, indicating a broader crackdown on traffic violations. Officials further claimed that despite the increase in challans, accident figures have shown a decline during the same period, with reported cases dropping from 440 in 2024 to 399 in 2025.
Authorities added that measures are being actively taken to reduce accident-prone black spots across Dehradun, as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve overall traffic management and public safety.
Residents Paint a Grim Picture of Ground Reality
However, many residents argue that the situation on the ground tells a different story. They report that public drinking and drunken driving continue unabated, with the issue no longer confined to festivals or weekends but becoming a routine occurrence throughout the city.
Reenu Paul, a resident of Rajpur, expressed her concerns, noting that while enforcement has increased, so has the scale of the problem. "With so many clubs opening across the city, the number of youngsters driving back under the influence of alcohol has gone up drastically. These vehicles are clearly visible on the roads, swerving and being driven dangerously," she said.
Paul also pointed to instances of people drinking inside vehicles near food stalls and popular Maggi points along Mussoorie Road and other such stretches. "They create a nuisance and put not only their own lives but also those of others at risk. More stringent enforcement is needed to address the root cause of the problem," she emphasized.
Call for Holistic Solutions Beyond Mere Challans
Residents believe that issuing challans alone is insufficient to tackle the growing menace of drunk driving in Dehradun. They advocate for more robust and sustained enforcement, coupled with public awareness campaigns and stricter penalties to deter offenders effectively.
The disparity between official statistics and public perception underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach. While the traffic police's efforts in increasing challans are a step in the right direction, addressing the root causes—such as easy availability of alcohol and lax attitudes towards drinking and driving—requires community involvement and policy-level interventions.
As Dehradun grapples with this escalating issue, the focus must shift from mere numbers to creating a safer road environment through combined efforts of law enforcement, civic authorities, and responsible citizenry.
