Pune, globally ranked as the fourth most congested city, continues to grapple with worsening traffic conditions due to increasing indiscipline among drivers. According to data released by the Pune Traffic Police, a total of ₹89.91 crore in fines was levied in 2024 on 10.63 lakh traffic rule violators.

Of the total fines imposed, ₹30.18 crore was collected as settlement fees from 4.5 lakh offenders, while licenses of 1,345 repeat offenders were permanently revoked. In comparison, ₹77.57 crore in fines was levied in 2023, marking a ₹12.34 crore increase in penalties in 2024 due to a rise in violations.

Violation Trends and Figures

The year 2024 saw a dramatic rise in major traffic violations:

• Drunk Driving: 5,293 cases, up from 384 in 2023.

• Driving in the Wrong Direction: Over 2.06 lakh cases, compared to 35,556 in 2023.

• Triple Riding: 48,564 cases, up from 22,111 in 2023.

• Rash Driving: 8,687 cases, an increase from 689 in 2023.

This alarming increase in violations has also contributed to a spike in road accidents.

Unpaid Fines

Despite the significant penalties, outstanding fines remain a concern. Nearly ₹44.29 crore in fines from 2023 and ₹59.73 crore from 2024 remain unpaid by over 11.33 lakh offenders.

Measures to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

To address the city’s worsening traffic conditions, the Pune Traffic Police and municipal authorities have introduced several measures:

• Heavy vehicle movement is restricted on the Nagar-Pune Road during peak hours.

• Signal systems are being upgraded to improve traffic flow.

• Key congestion points across the city are being restructured.

• Improvements are underway on 32 major roads with the assistance of the Pune Municipal Corporation.

Speaking on the issue, Amol Zende, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Pune, said, “Rising violations like drunk driving, wrong-way driving, and reckless behavior contribute significantly to road accidents. We are taking strict action against offenders to curb this trend and ensure safety.”