Surge in Wrong Side Driving Cases Spurs Delhi Police Crackdown; Najafgarh Tops List of Challans Issued

The streets of Delhi have become battlegrounds of recklessness as the city grapples with a staggering 67 per cent surge in incidents related to wrong-side driving. In response to this alarming trend, the Delhi Police has initiated a rigorous crackdown across the national capital, aiming to curb the perilous practice that threatens the safety of commuters and pedestrians alike.

New Delhi has been witnessing a dramatic rise in cases of wrong-side driving, prompting authorities to take decisive action. Among the areas with the highest number of challans issued, Najafgarh stands out, recording over 1,300 cases of vehicles flouting traffic norms. The gravity of the situation has spurred the Delhi Traffic Police to intensify their monitoring efforts at vulnerable points throughout the city, deploying personnel to identify and penalize violators.

Data provided by the Delhi Police reveals a stark contrast between this year and the previous, with a substantial increase in bookings for wrong-side driving offences. From January to April of this year alone, a total of 30,062 bookings were made, marking a significant jump from the 18,047 cases reported during the same period in 2023.

Despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns conducted by the traffic police, vehicles continue to brazenly disregard traffic regulations, endangering lives and exacerbating the risk of accidents and congestion on Delhi's already congested roads.

"We have formed special teams and deployed them at key intersections and thoroughfares to monitor traffic flow and identify violators," stated a police official, as quoted in a media report. "We are taking strict legal action, including penalties and hefty fines, against individuals found driving against the designated traffic direction."

The rampant disregard for traffic rules is not only perilous for the offenders themselves but also poses a grave threat to other road users. The reckless behaviour exhibited by wrong-side drivers has been identified as a leading cause of accidents and traffic congestion, further exacerbating the challenges faced by commuters in the bustling metropolis.

A comprehensive analysis conducted by the traffic police identified Najafgarh as the area with the highest number of challans issued for wrong-side driving, totaling 1,389 cases. Following closely behind are Sarita Vihar with 1,333 challans and Bhajanpura with 1,133.

Many of the violators cited urgency as their reason for driving against the flow of traffic, often attempting to circumvent U-turns in a bid to reach their destinations more quickly. However, such reckless manoeuvres not only defy traffic regulations but also endanger the lives of innocent commuters and pedestrians.

To address this concerning trend and promote road safety awareness, the Delhi Traffic Police has been collaborating with various stakeholders, including civic authorities and educational institutions. Through public outreach programs, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives, efforts are underway to instil a sense of responsibility and civic duty among all road users.

As the Delhi Police intensifies its crackdown on wrong-side driving, commuters are urged to adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize safety on the roads. With concerted efforts from authorities and public cooperation, the city aims to mitigate the risks associated with reckless driving and foster a culture of responsible road behaviour.