E-challan system goes live in Gujranwala

The Punjab Safe City Authority (PSCA) has officially launched the e-challan system in Gujranwala from today (Wednesday), marking a major shift from manual ticketing to automated traffic enforcement.

According to officials, 1,066 high-definition surveillance cameras installed across the district will now record traffic violations, including driving without a helmet or seatbelt, using non-standard or missing number plates, and other breaches of road safety laws.

The system will automatically generate challans and send them directly to violators via mobile message.

A PSCA spokesperson said the authority had already been using the camera network to help identify suspects involved in thefts, robberies, and other crimes.

"Now, these cameras will also keep a close eye on traffic violations, ensuring stricter enforcement of road safety rules," the spokesperson added.

SP Safe City Authority Gujranwala, Irfan Salhriya, told the Express that the new system had been undergoing testing for the past two months to identify and address any technical glitches.

"The system is now fully operational, and from today, e-challans are being issued. Cameras will monitor traffic violations around the clock," he said.

He explained that previously, manual challans were issued by traffic wardens and the patrolling police, who checked over 500,000 vehicles that move through Gujranwala's roads daily. With the e-challan system, however, much of the enforcement will now be handled automatically through cameras, while wardens will conduct supplementary checks on the ground.

Authorities have warned that failure to pay fines within the stipulated time will result in penalties being doubled or followed by legal proceedings.

SP Salhriya urged citizens to strictly adhere to traffic laws to avoid fines and ensure road safety. "Drivers must now travel with helmets, valid licenses, and seatbelts properly fastened. The cameras won't miss anything," he cautioned.