The Gurugram traffic police are thinking differently about road safety with their new campaign called "Challan Nahi, Salaam Milega" (No Challan, Only Salute). Instead of punishing drivers for risky behaviour, the campaign rewards safe practices by honouring disciplined drivers with a salute and helps educate the public on safe driving.
The campaign launched on June 10 of this year has thus far celebrated 14 "Traffic Heroes" who have repeatedly followed the traffic rules, such as lane discipline, wearing helmets and seatbelts, and stopping before the signal line.
The police utilised Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to recognise the drivers, which made the initiative exciting, transparent, and innovative.
Awareness at the Ground Level
On Thursday, the traffic police worked with a Suraksha Rath (safety van) and created awareness about safe driving issues at Sohna Chowk, Labour Chawki, and Ramgav Chowk. Traffic police educated nearly 150 citizens on problems related to underage driving, speeding, phone usage, and intoxicated driving. The event also promoted helmets, seatbelts, and lane discipline.
The Suraksha Rath displayed LED messages related to safety and served as a resource station to learn about emergency numbers, such as Dial 112, and the traffic number, 1095.
Citizens learned about Haryana's cashless treatment scheme, which provides up to ₹1.5 lakh in immediate medical treatment for individuals in road accidents.
Public Response and Impact
Commuters have appreciated the good vibe of the campaign. Auto driver Ramesh Kumar mentioned he was pleasantly surprised when an officer checked his documents; he was compliant, and instead of issuing a challan, he saluted him. "It felt like a salute for complying!" he said. Daily commuter Shweta Sharma mentioned that it motivated her more than a fine ever could!
The traffic police’s Weekly Enforcement Report (August 18–24) indicated that officers carried out 19 awareness programmes and educated over 780 people, but also handed out 15,927 challans, highlighting just how difficult it is to change an entrenched habitual behaviour.
The Road Ahead
DCP (Traffic) Dr Rajesh Kumar Mohan said the intention is to get to prevention versus punishment. Officials have also recruited citizens to volunteer as “Traffic Mitras” to share the message within their communities. Assistant commissioner Satyapal Yadav added that awareness drives will continue while the enforcement stays to create a gradual culture of safer driving in Gurugram.
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