Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, in 2017 on a pilot basis by the Mumbai Traffic police in October 2016, the e-challan system has since been put into practive all over the country. Aimed at digitising the process of traffic violation enforcement by eliminating manual loopholes, the system is proving to be annoying for transporters however.

It is not the technology, but the ones who deploy the system, claims transporters. Stating that the e-challan system has over time become a source of significant distress for transporters even though its introduction was appreciated by the industry as it digitised the process of traffic violation enforcement and eliminated many manual loopholes, Bal Malkit Singh, Chairman - Core Committe and Former President, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), averred, "The system has over time become a source of significant distress for transporters and other road users. It has become a new ‘Frankenstein’ and death knell for the road transport sector.” 

Stating that a strong resentment is brewing and the transport fraternity across the country is agitating, Singh said, “The intention behind e-challans is to improve transparency and reduce manual intervention, but several issues have risen to complicate the situation for transporters.” “The primary issue stems from the large volume of incorrect or excessive e-challans issued to them. Many trucks plying long distances are receiving multiple e-challans for the same alleged offense or due to erroneous readings from speed detection or overloading devices,” he added. 

Giving an example of trucks travelling through multiple states often receiving fines for supposed infractions such as over-speeding or minor overloading even though they are within legal limits, Singh explained, “Such errors accumulate and led to a financial strain for transporters. This is exacerbated as transporters operate nationwide – covering diverse terrains and jurisdictions – that would mean that they may be penalised in various states.” “These fines often lack clarity or the chance for immediate redressal, leading to confusion and increased operational costs,” he elaborated.

Informing that enforcement officials have found a way around technology to generate motivated challans without any verifiable proof of offence, which is leading to acute harassment of the transport fraternity, Singh articulated, “There is neither authentication of any violation through static photo nor there is any transparency leading to acute harassment of the transport fraternity. Static photo of a parked vehicle is clicked and challans are issued for random offences. The vehicle owner may be from a geographically distant state and cannot contest the challan in court. Lack of communication regarding issuance of e-challan to the vehicle owner/operators who is sitting in one part of the country and must travel across the length and breadth of it to get it disposed/rectified.”

With instance where the vehicle owner comes to know of the challans issued only after he tries to dispose of his vehicle, goes to renew its fitness and to renew the permit (in the case of commercial vehicles), the issues with e-challans is pan-India in nature than be limited to a certain geographically or cultural area it looks like. 

Transport associations like the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) have voiced concerns and are actively engaging with state and central authorities to address the growing problem. They have raised issues related to inaccurate e-challans due to technical errors or faulty detection equipment, lack of a unified system across states leading to inconsistency in how fines are issued and difficulty in contesting these fines as there is no streamlined process for redressal or appealing incorrect challans.

They are demanding a centralised and transparent grievance redressal system, standardisation of e-challan policies, equipment calibration across states and leniency or waiver of penalties that are clearly issued due to system malfunctions, according to Singh. 

Of the opinion that traffic enforcement is a state subject, Singh expressed that the intensity and frequency of issues differ state-to-state therefore and in some states use of faulty equipment or overly strict enforcement practices that has led to a higher number of incorrect challans. Singh drew attention to issues like non-integration with national vehicle databases (such as Vahan 4) in some states. “The system in Telangana for example,” Singh articulated, “has been of specific concern for transporters because it is not fully integrated with the national system, leading to problems like wrongful issuance of challans for vehicles from other states.” 

"The potential solutions to addressing the issue of e-challan," Singh commented, “Is to ensure scientifically verifiable evidence. A centralised grievance redressal system with a nodal officer should be put in place. The exact recording of the offence with exact measurement in case of over-height or overload or similar such case should be presented rather than a picture to avoid any doubt about motivated action. Equipment and procedures should be standardised. Vehicle databases should be integrated. Enforcement officials should ne trained to be humane. The accountability of the enforcement officials should be ascertained whenever the issue of motivated challans is there." 

Image for representative purpose only. 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

In an appeal to smooth the movement of trucks and goods transportation, Bal Malkit Singh, Advisor and Former President of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abolish state border check posts nationwide. The appeal cites the current geopolitical climate and global fuel uncertainties as primary reasons for removing physical barriers to logistics.

The representation notes that despite the implementation of GST and digital enforcement, states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu continue to operate physical check posts. Singh argues these systems cause fuel wastage, congestion and economic losses that impact industrial competitiveness and foreign exchange reserves.

The letter mentioned that in Maharashtra alone, approximately 90,000 commercial vehicles enter and exit the state daily. The report claims nearly 270,000 litres of diesel are wasted each day due to idling and queues, resulting in an estimated economic loss of INR 270 million per day. Singh suggests that nationwide losses would be significantly higher.

The appeal urges the Union Government to encourage states to move toward technology-driven enforcement systems in alignment with the National Logistics Policy.

Bal Malkit Singh, said, “Every truck standing idle at a border check post burns the nation’s fuel, weakens productivity, increases logistics costs and drains valuable foreign exchange reserves. In today’s geo-political environment, abolishing outdated border check posts is no longer merely a transport reform — it is a national economic necessity and a patriotic responsibility.”

The representation includes previous communications sent to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis regarding the removal of state-specific posts. The transport sector is seeking a reform initiative to ensure the seamless movement of goods across the country.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Eicher Trucks and Buses, a unit of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cityflo to deploy 2,000 buses over the next three years. The agreement includes the planned deployment of 500 buses in the 2027 financial year.

As per the understanding, Eicher Trucks and Buses will provide a portfolio of vehicles, including diesel, CNG and electric models. The agreement specifically covers the Eicher Skyline Pro 3011 AC Pushback with Rear Air Suspension. The partnership focuses on delivering uptime, maintenance support and configurations tailored to urban operations, such as reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels and enhanced climate control.

B Srinivas, MD & CEO, VECV, said, “Our partnership with Cityflo reflects a shared commitment to transforming daily urban commuting through reliable, comfortable and efficient mobility solutions at scale. By combining Eicher’s advanced buses and service ecosystem with Cityflo’s commuter-first approach, we will deliver a dependable and premium travel experience that makes everyday journeys more predictable, convenient and sustainable for passengers. The partnership aligns with Government vision to decongest city roads and save foreign exchange on fuel imports by presenting an attractive public transport solution to cities across India.”

Rishabh Shah, Co-Founder & CBO, Cityflo, added, "At Cityflo, we believe corporate commutes should be comfortable, convenient, consistent and affordable, without compromise. Our partnership with Eicher Trucks & Buses started in 2024, when we set out to understand the right bus configuration for city commutes. The result was a brand-new 27-seater vehicle, built specifically for city roads and refined to meet Cityflo's service standards. We're excited to continue building on that same spirit of collaboration as we scale."

The collaboration aims to provide an alternative to personal vehicle use to reduce road congestion. Service integration will include on-site support and maintenance schedules designed around peak-hour requirements to ensure operational reliability for passengers.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Building on a strong heritage that enables the Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer to provide a modular system to its buyers where they can pick and choose aggregates to attain a solution that most suits their application needs, Scania’s Longline cab – through series production – is being offered as a low-volume, factory-certified solution for those that want extended space, comfort and flexibility.
Combining Scania’s CrewCab and S-series high-roof cab to create a product that no other OEM currently offers from factory, the respective cab will be made in Laxå, with chassis built in Södertälje. A natural evolution of a concept that has long been appreciated by customers, according to Lars Gustafsson, Head of Trucks, Scania, the Longline cab will come with a limited interior configuration behind the seats, including options such as a standard bed with storage or shelving – or a more open layout. 
The focus is on clearly defined mounting points, enabling customers to design interiors according to their specific requirements. Many customers are expected to further personalise their vehicles through custom paint and interior solutions. 
Born out of a market demand and a desire to improve driver conditions, the Longline cab aims at those who are keen to attract and retain drivers – a key challenge in the transport industry at current. 
“The cab is not only about space but about creating a better working environment for drivers. This is increasingly important for our customers,” said Gustafsson. “Longline is adapted according to the European IVD legislation (Increased Vehicle Dimensions, that has been enabled for customers all over Europe to purchase longer vehicles,” he added. Sales are slated to begin in April 2026. 
The 11-litre Super powertrain from Scania, on the other hand, claims to be the most efficient combustion powertrain platform ever. Relevant for a wide range of operators, including companies running urban routes and longer inter-city routes, the engine offers superior fuel efficiency and a power output of 350, 390 and 430 hp. Capable of handling certain applications, which a 13-litre engine does, the 11-litre Super powertrain offers remarkable fuel efficiency indeed. It also offers much longer engine lifespan, improved serviceability and compatibility with renewable fuels. The new Variable Valve Braking (VVB)technology enhances safety of operation. 
The superior fuel efficiency is the basis of VVB, which combines the compression release brake technology from the new 13-litre engines with the cam phaser technology from the new Super 11, creating an impressive braking power of up to 350 kW. With the VVB capable of replacing the retarder, resulting in 80 kg weight saving, the 11-litre Super powertrain is capable of up to two million kilometres, a 25-percent increase on the previous equivalent. 
 

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck, has inaugurated three service centres in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The workshops, located in Jhansi, Kabrai and Chitrakoot, are operated by PPS Trucking. The expansion is intended to support commercial vehicle movement in mining and infrastructure corridors.

The new centres cover over 110,000 sqft and include 18 service bays with an annual capacity to maintain 7,500 vehicles. The facilities feature diagnostic systems and provide 24x7 roadside assistance using a fleet of 5 mobile vans.

They will provide maintenance, repairs and express services for BharatBenz trucks and buses. The workshops also include rest areas for drivers and are staffed by 64 technicians.

DICV states Bundelkhand region is a hub for minerals such as granite, sandstone and limestone, which are used in the construction and cement industries.

Rajiv Chaturvedi, President & Chief Business Officer, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said, “In Bundelkhand’s mining and infrastructure belt, every hour a vehicle is off the road is a cost our customers cannot afford. With our expansion into Jhansi, Kabrai and Chitrakoot, we are putting world-class service and genuine spares exactly where the demand is highest. Faster turnaround, higher vehicle availability, better operational efficiency – that is what this network means on the ground. BharatBenz is committed to being a true uptime partner for fleet operators in every high-activity corridor,” said

Rajiv Sanghvi, Managing Director, PPS Trucking, added, “Our partnership with BharatBenz is built on the shared vision of offering customer-centric and quality service. With these new facilities at Jhansi, Kabrai and Chitrakoot, we are delighted to be now even better positioned to support BharatBenz customers across Bundelkhand’s high-potential mining and industrial routes. This expansion brings us closer to our customers and reinforces our commitment to providing faster, seamless service support, enhancing vehicle uptime and driving greater profitability for our customers.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!