Why Noida roads are still unsafe

E-challans to rein in habitual offenders still a distant dream

After a hard day's work you're on your way back home. The evening rush has descended upon the streets and every soul around you is mad to get back home.

And your car comes to a screeching halt. The traffic signal has just gone red. But, if you are thinking of speeding away, you might not reconsider, as the traffic cop is yet to get his state-of-art hand held device to issue an e-challan.

The system of issuing e-challans in Noida was announced about six months ago but it remains a distant dream with the police pointing out that the company engaged to start the service is yet to get the required technology.

In a letter written by the Noida police to the higher authorities, they have complained that the Analogics Tech India Ltd., a Hyderabad based company, is still not equipped enough to start e-challaning of vehicles.
According to the Superintendent of Police (traffic) Ajay Sahdev, "We are trying to regularise the system but still we are not adequately equipped. We have already written to the higher authorities about this and hope to start this service as soon as possible."

Noida police initiated "e- challaning" system to centralise its traffic challan records On May 1. On a trial basis, 39 simputers (hand- held electronic devices) were also issued among station house officers, gazetted officers, traffic inspectors, traffic sub-inspectors, nodal officers and a few head constables of the district. The officers also went on a week's training to Hyderabad.

The simputers were linked to a server installed at the traffic control room in sector 14-A and records details such as the registration number of the vehicle, its make and colour. The introduction of the system was also supposed to give the traffic violator the option to either pay the challan fee at the respective office or at the headquarters.