Chandigarh, Nov 27: Haryana Police are stepping up nightly enforcement as the state reports an average 192 drunk-driving challans every day in 2024, with Gurugram alone accounting for nearly 25,000 notices so far, official figures show.
From January to November 24, the state issued 63,073 challans for driving under the influence. Faridabad, Karnal, Panchkula and Jind followed Gurugram in the district-wise tally.
The crackdown comes as Haryana reported about 4,000 road accident deaths in the first ten months of the year. The state recorded 4,915 fatalities in 2022 and 4,968 in 2023, ranking 14th nationally last year.
Police said the spike in challans reflects more rigorous checks, particularly in high-traffic zones. “We are not showing any leniency towards such dangerous behaviour,” the department said. “The ongoing drive has strengthened traffic discipline across districts.”
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, during a November 20 review, instructed officers to act strictly against drunk driving, speeding and overloading. He also ordered the appointment of a dedicated nodal officer to track accident-related compliance.
To speed on-spot action, all toll plazas now have special teams operating 6 pm to 10 pm with alco-sensors and e-challan machines. “Immediate checks are helping improve highway safety,” a police spokesperson said.
Police reminded motorists that enforcement is aimed at behavioural change. “Do not drive under the influence. Your responsibility is in your hands when you are seated behind the steering wheel,” the statement said.
The department urged residents to treat road safety as a shared duty. “Challans are only a means to make people understand what is at stake,” police said. “Safe driving is the real safety shield.”
