Nagpur: With traffic rule violations continuing to rise across the city, the Nagpur Traffic Police are preparing to launch a major recovery drive to collect nearly ₹300 crore in unpaid e-challans, officials said.

According to Nagpur Traffic Police more than 35 lakh traffic challans issued over the past seven years remain unpaid, highlighting a major gap in compliance with traffic regulations in the city.

Records show that between 2019 and March 5, 2026, the Nagpur Traffic Department issued 59,93,438 e-challans for various traffic violations, amounting to a total penalty of ₹400.43 crore. However, only 21,78,269 challans have been paid so far, generating ₹106.21 crore in revenue.

This means 35,05,290 challans are still pending, with ₹294.22 crore yet to be recovered. Notably, the number of challans issued exceeds the total number of registered vehicles in Nagpur, which stands at just over 31 lakh.

The data further reveals that only 36.34% of the total challans issued have been paid, while nearly 58.47% remain unpaid. In terms of revenue, the recovery rate is even lower — just 26.53% of the total penalty amount has been collected, leaving 73.47% still pending.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani said the department will soon begin issuing formal notices to vehicle owners and registered offenders who have not cleared their dues.

“Those receiving notices will be given time to pay the pending fines. If they fail to do so, strict action may be taken, including suspension of driving licences or prosecution in court,” Matani said.

The data also indicates a sharp rise in traffic enforcement in recent years. In 2024, traffic police issued 12,51,170 challans worth ₹111.15 crore, but only 2,12,840 were paid, leaving the majority pending.

Similarly, in 2025, authorities issued 10,03,081 challans worth ₹102.8 crore, with a large portion still unpaid. Even in the current year, between January 1 and March 5, 2026, the department has already issued 1,18,193 challans worth ₹11.77 crore, indicating that traffic violations continue at a high rate.

Matani said the upcoming recovery drive aims to improve compliance with traffic rules and ensure violators clear their pending dues.

The traffic police have also urged citizens to check their e-challan status online and pay pending fines promptly to avoid legal action.