Mohali, July 14 — Launched with much anticipation in March this year, the City Surveillance and Traffic Management System in Mohali was designed to curb fatal accidents through 24×7 enforcement. But even as nearly 2 lakh traffic challans have been issued in just three months, road crash data reveals the system has had little impact on public safety.
In the first six months of 2025, Mohali recorded 285 road accidents, a 4% rise from 273 cases in the same period last year. These accidents left 160 people dead or seriously injured, up from 151 in 2024 — a troubling indicator of the widening gap between digital surveillance and real-world road discipline.
While the system is operational, its reach remains narrow and fragmented. Currently, only 17 traffic intersections are covered by CCTV cameras, leaving major stretches — including the bustling Airport Road, and national highway zones like Zirakpur, Lalru and Dera Bassi — without any monitoring infrastructure.
In 2024, Mohali reported 536 road accidents, resulting in 312 fatalities. The toll was even higher in 2023, when 320 people lost their lives on city roads.
Since the launch of CCTV surveillance on March 6, traffic police have issued an average of 2,000 challans per day, mostly for speeding and red light violations — two major contributors to fatal accidents. Yet, the deterrence factor seems minimal, as commuters continue to flout rules with impunity in non-surveillance zones.
There is, however, a silver lining. Authorities have managed to trace 223 vehicles involved in hit-and-run cases as of June this year — nearly 60% of last year’s total of 376, thanks to the new system.
Road safety expert Harpreet Singh said that enforcement can only go so far without individual responsibility. “Authorities can install cameras, issue challans, and raise awareness, but it is the driver’s responsibility to follow traffic rules. Driving isn’t a casual act — it’s a responsibility that can save or take lives,” he said.
DSP (Traffic) Karnail Singh said the department continues to conduct safety seminars in schools and colleges. “We teach students that following rules is not just about avoiding fines, but about valuing life. That mindset has to grow,” he said.
SP Traffic Navneet Mahal acknowledged the gap between enforcement and behavioural change. “We’re active at control rooms and checkpoints, but change in driver behaviour is key. Most people follow rules only when they see police. They forget that these measures are for their own safety,” he said. Mahal added that the next phase of the monitoring system will expand coverage to highway and outer areas.
Until then, officials admit, the system’s reach remains too narrow to rein in Mohali’s growing road safety crisis.
