Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Traffic Crackdown: Rs 76.94 Cr Fines Imposed In 3 Years, 60% From Drunken Drivers

Bhubaneswar: Fines amounting to Rs 76.94 crore have been collected for traffic rule violations in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack over the past three years, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi revealed in the Odisha Assembly on Monday.

Responding to a question from MLA Souvic Biswal, the Chief Minister disclosed that 7,70,992 individuals were found violating traffic regulations in the twin cities during this period. Penalties amounting to Rs 76,94,21,950 were recovered from these offenders, according to official data presented in the House.

A significant portion of the violations involved drunk driving. A total of 88,246 people were caught driving under the influence of alcohol and slapped with fines totalling Rs 44,85,04,800. Additionally, 1,630 cases were registered for drunken driving offences.

According to the latest accident data for 2024 released by the Commerce and Transport Department, excessive speeding was the leading cause of road crashes, resulting in 7,269 incidents and claiming 3,846 lives. Driving on the wrong side of the road led to 1,103 accidents and 470 fatalities. Drunken driving combined with drug consumption accounted for 838 accidents, resulting in 317 deaths.