In a sweeping traffic enforcement operation conducted during Holi celebrations on March 2 and 3, the Nagpur Traffic Police cracked down on widespread violations across the city, issuing a total of 3,245 challans. The drive—one of the city’s most extensive festival-time operations—was carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani, with the aim of ensuring road safety and preventing festival-related mishaps.
The intensified checks targeted common high-risk offences such as drunk driving, rash and wrong-side driving, triple-seat riding, and violations involving heavy vehicles. Traffic officials said these violations typically surge during festive periods, prompting the need for strict enforcement at accident-prone stretches, busy junctions, market routes, highways, and residential pockets where Holi gatherings were reported.
According to official figures, 205 motorists were booked for drunk driving, while 40 cases of rash driving under Section 281 of the BNS were registered. Heavy vehicle violations amounted to 160 cases, triple-seat riding led to 189 challans, and 82 motorists were penalised for wrong-side driving. The cumulative count from all categories pushed the total challans issued during the two-day period to 3,245.
Zone-wise data revealed significant activity across multiple divisions. Ajni Zone topped the chart with 546 challans, including 17 cases of driving under the influence. Sonegaon Zone followed with 517 challans, among which were 20 drunk driving cases and 16 instances of triple-seat riding. Lakdganj Zone reported 498 violations, comprising 27 cases of drunk driving and 29 of rash driving. Meanwhile, Burdi Zone issued 348 challans, and Cotton Market Zone accounted for 338 violations during the drive.
To strengthen enforcement, the police deployed dedicated nakabandis, breath analyser checkpoints, and additional surveillance teams to deter reckless driving and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. Officials emphasised that Holi often sees a rise in dangerous road behaviour, especially among youths, making stringent checks essential to avoid accidents.
DCP Lohit Matani stated that the operation aimed to send a strong message against traffic indiscipline while prioritising the safety of Nagpur’s residents during festive celebrations. Authorities have appealed to citizens to follow traffic rules and support enforcement measures designed to make roads safer.
Further traffic drives are expected in the coming weeks as part of the department’s sustained efforts to improve road discipline across the city.
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