The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, one of India’s busiest and most important roadways, is grappling with a massive backlog of unpaid traffic fines. According to recent reports, over ₹250 crore in e-challan fines remain unsettled by commuters on this route. Despite the use of high-tech surveillance and e-challan systems aimed at penalizing violators for speeding, lane-cutting, and other offenses, the collection of fines has been dismal.
Authorities have flagged the low recovery rate as a critical concern, especially given the Expressway’s high accident rate. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and highway traffic police are considering stricter enforcement mechanisms, including blocking vehicle registrations and licenses of habitual offenders.
A majority of the pending fines are linked to speeding violations, and many vehicle owners, particularly from outside Maharashtra, have reportedly ignored repeated notices. Officials say that lack of inter-state coordination and absence of direct penalties for non-payment have contributed to the issue.
The situation calls for a reassessment of the fine collection system and more stringent legal backing to ensure road safety compliance.
