RTI reveals March recorded the highest collection; motorists face difficulties challenging incorrect traffic fines
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 21, 2026: Traffic fines worth ₹8.94 crore were collected in Chhattisgarh’s capital between January and August 2026, according to information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The data shows that ₹8,94,32,350 was collected during the eight-month period, averaging approximately ₹1.12 crore a month.
The figures were disclosed in response to an RTI application filed by Raipur resident Kunal Shukla. Assistant Commissioner of Traffic Kamaljit Patle provided a written, month-wise breakdown of the collections on October 19.
March recorded the highest collection at ₹1.93 crore, followed by May at ₹1.75 crore and April at ₹1.52 crore. In contrast, June saw the lowest collection, at ₹44.47 lakh.
March tops monthly collections
The month-wise figures show considerable variation in the amount collected through traffic challans during the period.
| Month | Fine collection |
|---|---|
| January | ₹1,08,41,200 |
| February | ₹95,36,900 |
| March | ₹1,93,94,500 |
| April | ₹1,52,00,500 |
| May | ₹1,75,42,050 |
| June | ₹44,47,600 |
| July | ₹63,77,700 |
| August | ₹60,91,900 |
| Total | ₹8,94,32,350 |
March accounted for the highest monthly collection, with nearly ₹1.94 crore recovered in traffic fines. May and April followed, with collections of ₹1.75 crore and ₹1.52 crore, respectively.
The collection exceeded ₹1 crore in January, March, April and May. February’s figure stood at ₹95.36 lakh.
Sharp decline after May
The data shows a marked decline in collections from June onwards. The amount fell to ₹44.47 lakh in June, before rising to ₹63.77 lakh in July and settling at ₹60.91 lakh in August.
The reasons for the variation are not clear from the figures provided. The total amount collected alone does not establish whether traffic violations increased or decreased during these months. A more comprehensive assessment would require details of the number of challans issued, the categories of violations, fines imposed and payments recovered.
Traffic enforcement remains in focus
Raipur Traffic Police conduct enforcement drives to promote road safety and deter violations, including driving under the influence of alcohol, jumping red lights, speeding and riding without helmets.
According to figures cited in traffic police information for October 2026, 4,082 drunk-driving cases had been recorded up to October 15, while the driving licences of 2,597 motorists had been suspended. These figures cover a different period and measure specific enforcement actions, so they cannot be directly compared with the January-August fine collections.
Questions over erroneous fines and grievance redressal
The issue of incorrect traffic fines and the difficulties faced by motorists in challenging such penalties has also drawn attention. Concerns over erroneous challans underline the need for a transparent and accessible grievance-redressal mechanism through which citizens can seek corrections and timely resolution.
While penalties are intended to improve compliance with traffic rules and reduce accidents, effective enforcement also depends on accuracy, accountability and public confidence in the system.
The RTI disclosure provides a month-wise picture of the money collected through traffic fines in Raipur during the first eight months of 2026. The full-year figures, along with data on challans issued and road safety outcomes, will offer a broader basis for assessing the impact of traffic enforcement in the capital.
