Delhi Traffic Police issues record 44,484 challans to private buses amid rising safety concerns

Delhi Traffic Police issued 44,484 on-the-spot challans to private buses between January 1 and September 24, 2026, a 22% increase from 36,452 in the same period last year, according to a TOI report. The data comes as the regulatory record of a Delhi-Mahoba private bus, in which nine passengers died in a fire, faces scrutiny.

The bus had 19 fines amounting to around Rs 1.7 lakh, while its registration, fitness and pollution certificates were issued in different states, the report said. Police are investigating the fire and whether the bus complied with safety norms.

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The enforcement data also shows a rise in some on-road violations, even as several vehicle and document-related offences declined.

The sharpest increase was recorded in improper or obstructive parking. Such violations rose 115.4%, from 9,917 between January 1 and September 24, 2025, to 21,361 during the same period this year, according to the TOI report.

At places such as the Akshardham flyover, buses can stop on the carriageway instead of designated stops while picking up passengers. This can force other vehicles to slow down, change lanes or move around the buses.

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Permit violations fell 14.6% to 8,506 from 9,957 last year. Cases related to registration certificates declined 11.9%, from 4,189 to 3,691.

Dangerous-driving cases rose marginally to 1,088 from 1,074. Cases of disobeying lawful directions more than doubled to 797 from 379, while driving-without-licence cases increased 4.2% to 570 from 547.

Several compliance-related violations declined. Pollution-under-control certificate violations fell 51.5% to 258 from 532, while cases involving buses without fitness certificates dropped 46.6% to 55 from 103.

Insurance-related violations declined 13.7% to 195 from 226. High-beam violations fell 73.4% to 70 from 263, while tinted-glass violations dropped 38.2% to 55 from 89.

Cases involving drivers or conductors smoking also fell, from seven to three.

However, wrongful passing or overtaking cases increased from 23 to 27. Pressure-horn violations doubled from 38 to 76, the TOI report said.


(With inputs from TOI)