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. 

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Ashok Leyland has announced a partnership with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as an Official Sponsor for the upcoming IPL (Indian Premier League) season. The Ashok Leyland logo will appear on the front right chest of the CSK jersey.

The agreement continues a relationship between the Hinduja Group and the IPL franchise, following a 15-year collaboration with another group entity, Gulf Oil. The partnership was finalised at Ashok Leyland’s headquarters by Chairman Dheeraj Hinduja and MD & CEO Shenu Agarwal, alongside CSK Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and India’s 2026 U-19 World Cup-winning captain, Ayush Mhatre.

The event included the unveiling of the team's jersey for the 2026 season. Additionally, Ashok Leyland introduced a vehicle specifically designed for the ‘Whistle Podu’ fan base. This ‘Fan Bus’ is intended to facilitate fan engagement and transport during the tournament.

Dheeraj Hinduja, said, “We are delighted to join hands with the Chennai Super Kings, a team that embodies excellence, consistency, and a winning spirit. Through this partnership, we celebrate our shared values of resilience and high performance. We are proud to support a team that has brought immense pride to our home city.”

KS Viswanathan, Managing Director, Chennai Super Kings, added, “We are excited to welcome Ashok Leyland to the Chennai Super Kings family as our Official Sponsor. Ashok Leyland is an iconic brand with deep roots in Chennai and a legacy of excellence that mirrors CSK’s own journey. This partnership brings together two institutions built on performance, resilience, and a strong community connect.”

Shenu Agarwal, stated, “Our brand strategy has always focused on building strong emotional connections with our audience. This partnership is not just about a logo on a jersey—it is about being part of the journey of champions and engaging with millions of fans who value quality and reliability.”

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Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation has opened a new centre of competence in Chennai called the Fuso Technical Centre India. The development reflects the passion to drive the Fuso brand of commercial vehicles to new heights post the global development of separation of Fuso brand from the Daimler brand. Mitsubishi Fuso and Toyota’ Hino are now under Archion brand, which was announced in mid-2025. Archion as a separate entity – a new Japanese holding company formed by the merger of Daimler Truck's Mitsubishi Fuso and Toyota's Hino Motors – is set to launch on 1 April 2026. 
The development also reflects the role of the Chennai facility of Daimler India Commercial Vehicles in nurturing the Fuso brand since 2013. The facility has produced Fuso brand of commercial vehicles besides three other brands (BharatBenz, Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz) since 2013.  Against this backdrop, the new Fuso tech centre in Chennai has come up on a tight schedule and will have hundreds of new engineers among others. 
If this would beg to ask how the arrangement will be in the future and whether Fuso trucks will continue to be made in the Chennai facility, which is essentially a Daimer Trucks property, the fact is, the connection of Fuso trucks goes a long way with India and its commercial vehicle market. 
Since 2013, the Daimler Oragadam facility on the outskirts of Chennai has produced Fuso trucks for 100 percent export. It has been instrumental in changing the image of the Japanese commercial brand from one that would make light vehicles to the one that makes heavy-duty ones. 
 

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American commercial vehicle manufacturer Mack Trucks has revealed the redesigned Mack Granite at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The vocational truck features a new cab, updated safety technology and a shift in performance specifications ahead of its display at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2026.

The Granite introduces the Mack Protect safety suite, incorporating front camera and radar with 270-degree coverage. It is the first vocational truck to include radar systems on both the driver and passenger sides.

It features an electronic park brake with rollaway protection and automatic release. A standard system that contacts emergency services upon airbag deployment or rollover detection. Support for up to five camera inputs and an optional digital mirror system. It gets standard front and available side-curtain airbags.

The model is powered by the new Mack MP13 engine, producing up to 540 HP and 1,950 lbft of torque. Mack reports a 3 percent improvement in fuel efficiency over previous versions. The updated mDRIVE automated manual transmission offers 30 percent faster shifts and is available in 12-speed, 13-speed and 14-speed configurations.

Alternatively, customers can specify a Cummins X10 engine paired with an Allison automatic transmission. The truck utilises the MaxRide air load-distributing suspension, a proprietary eight-bag system designed for load management.

The galvanised steel cab is nine inches wider at the B-pillar than the previous model. It features a bonded curved windshield and meets Swedish Impact (BOF10) safety standards.

Interior updates include:

• Ergonomics: A flat-bottom steering wheel and steering column-mounted shifter.
• Displays: A digital instrument cluster and a three-way adjustable steering column.
• Utility: A bodybuilder tower between seats for control mounting and a t-slot dashboard for device attachment.
• Comfort: HVAC ducting in the door panels to deliver air at the driver's shoulder level.

The Granite will be produced at the Lehigh Valley Operations facility in Pennsylvania. Orders are scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, with production commencing in January 2027.

Stephen Roy, President, Mack Trucks, said, “The all-new Mack Granite embodies everything Mack stands for: legendary durability, uncompromising performance and a commitment to our customers who depend on these trucks to get the toughest jobs done. We’ve completely reimagined the Granite from the ground up, bringing the same level of innovation we delivered with our Pioneer and Anthem models to the vocational market.”

Alex Lee, Senior Product Manager, Mack Trucks, stated, “We’re bringing safety technologies to the North American vocational market that have never been available before. Features like the ePark Brake, 270-degree radar coverage and E911 auto-call are going to make a real difference in protecting drivers who work in some of the most challenging environments.”

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Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, has announced new technology, service solutions and products at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 aimed at productivity, safety and labour shortages. The company is demonstrating a single platform to connect operations through AI and autonomy.

The American company is showcasing the Cat AI Assistant, designed to help teams reach decisions via recommendations and data interaction. The company also debuted its first autonomous soil compactor, the Cat CS12 and Collision Mitigation technology within the Cat Detect portfolio.

Key technological integrations include:

• Fleet Management: A collaboration with Geotab Inc. integrates on-highway data into the VisionLink platform, allowing management of both Cat and non-Cat assets.
• Remote Operation: Live demonstrations are featuring advancements in construction autonomy and remote equipment control.
• Power Solutions: Displayed units include high-horsepower C3.6 and C13D engines alongside connectivity tools for condition monitoring.

The company launched Cat Compact, a destination for small contractors to buy, rent and service equipment. Additionally, a refreshed Cat Rentals brand and digital solution have been introduced to assist customers in monitoring scaled equipment operations.

Caterpillar has updated its service commitments to include next-day parts and two-day repairs, supported by Cat Credits if these targets are not met.

The event serves as the venue for the Global Operator Challenge finals and the inaugural Global Dealer Technician Challenge, recognising the skills of equipment professionals.

Joe Creed, CEO, Caterpillar, said, “As jobsites become more complex, we’re rapidly innovating to simplify how our customers operate and grow – at any scale. This week, we’re demonstrating how a single platform connects the entire operation – empowering customers with AI and autonomy, redefining service and investing in the people doing the work every day.”

Rod Shurman, Caterpillar Construction Industries Group President, said, “Caterpillar is focused on the challenges customers are dealing with right now: labour, safety and productivity. From AI and autonomy in action to full-fleet connectivity to services commitments, everything we’re showing is built to work where and when customers need it most whether it's on the job, in the shop or at the office.”

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