Chandigarh becomes ‘Challangarh’: AI-driven surge in traffic fines sparks debate

The data shows that AI-powered Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) account for the overwhelming majority of challans—8.46 lakh in 2024, compared to 1.48 lakh issued manually by traffic personnel. In 2023, ITMS-generated challans stood at 8.91 lakh, as against 1.01 lakh manual ones.

Tewari, reacting to the reply, said, “Look at the astronomical increase in the number of challans between 2022–2023 after the AI-enabled system was introduced. It perhaps must be more than the number of cars registered in Chandigarh. No wonder people in my erstwhile constituency of Sri Anandpur Sahib, that rings around Chandigarh on three sides, call it ‘Challangarh’.”

The Union minister confirmed that the Government receives regular representations about AI-powered CCTV enforcement, including complaints that even minor transgressions like marginally crossing a zebra line are penalised. He said all automated challans are manually re-verified by staff at the Police Command and Control Centre to ensure fairness.

Mohali’s tech leap mirrors trend

Mohali rolled out its AI‑enabled traffic management system early in 2025. Within four days, 6,962 e‑challans were issued via ANPR (automatic number plate recognition) cameras, yet only 110 offenders paid the fines. In one week, automated cameras generated Rs 1.40 crore in fines,  an amount that could equal or surpass the city’s annual property tax revenue.

Despite this, public sentiment reflects persistent traffic indiscipline. Notably, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh has proposed allocating full e‑challan revenue towards expanding traffic infrastructure.

Crackdown intensifies in Panchkula

Panchkula has also amplified enforcement efforts. Already in 2023, CCTV cameras accounted for 54 per cent of the 94,784 challans issued, with Rs 2.86 crore collected. In just the first half of 2025, violations surged: 45,684 challans were issued, led by helmet-less riding (16,738) and expired PUC (pollution under control) certificates (11,814).

Wrong‑parking fines also spiked, with 1,905 tickets issued from January to June 2025, using real‑time photo capture and ANPR-based spotting. Meanwhile, over 6,700 challans were issued for tampered or missing number plates in the same period.