Kolkata, recognised for its high ratio of vehicles to road space, has been witnessing a variety of traffic situations. Traffic congestion, accidents, road construction, and slow-moving traffic have always been observed.

The reason is that city-wide events have occasionally had a substantial impact on traffic. For instance, a protest rally by tribal groups in September 2023 resulted in traffic disorder, bringing Kolkata and Howrah to a standstill during the busiest office hours. 

Despite these hurdles, the city is committed to maintaining efficient traffic management, underlining the importance of collaboration from all parties involved.

The Government of India introduced new traffic fines in 2019 under the Motor Vehicles (Amended) Act. The intention of implementing such drastic changes was to reduce traffic violations and accidents in the country. However, Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamta Banerjee, declared that they won’t accept the new hike in traffic fines and called it harsh.

Though the government of West Bengal initially opposed the idea of implementing new traffic fines, later, they agreed to hike penalties up to 10 times. The government implemented a newly revised list of traffic fines in Kolkata, leading to traffic violation cases dropping by 4000. 

According to 2024 media reports, Kolkata Traffic Police introduced a Unified Payment Interface (UPI) to pay spot fines with any online payment desired by the violator.

As per the news, the charges for Kolkata traffic fines have been increased ten-fold in some cases. The fine for unauthorised alterations to someone else's vehicle is set to be ₹1 lakh. This amount is much higher than what it used to be.

The West Bengal Traffic Police Department booked approximately 22,18,839 challans in 2023

In Kolkata, traffic fines are collected by the state police through various methods. These include paying on-the-spot fines to police officers, making online payments, and submitting fines at traffic police stations with the necessary documents.

You can check your traffic challan in Kolkata online through the ways mentioned below.

Process to Check e-Challan Online in Kolkata

• You can check your e-Challan status in West Bengal through the Parivahan website's "Check Online Services" tab. 

• Additionally, you can verify the status using the West Bengal Traffic Police website.

Process to Pay e-Challan Online in Kolkata

• You can easily pay your traffic fines through Parivahan website.

• Other than that, you can check the Kolkata Traffic Payment portal.

• You can also pay it through the West Bengal Traffic Police website.

You can also pay your fines in Kolkata offline by visiting your nearest police station, or via e-challan payment tool available with the traffic police.

Below are some essential traffic rules that a person driving a four-wheeler in Kolkata should follow:

• Wear Seatbelt: Always fasten the seatbelt when driving your car to avoid severe injuries and fines.

• Refrain From Using Mobile Phone: Never talk or text on a mobile phone while driving a car in Kolkata. Traffic police can issue hefty fines if found in violation.

• Carry Essential Documents: Always carry the mandatory documents such as pollution under certificates, driver’s licence, car insurance policy papers, registration certificate of the vehicle, etc.

• Don’t Drink And Drive: Avoid driving when intoxicated. It would keep everyone on the road safe and away from heavy drinking and driving fines. 

• Maintain Speed Limit: Never overspeed while driving any four-wheeler. It is for the safety of the one driving and also the fellow travellers.

• Avoid Random Driving Patterns: Do not drive in a twist-and-turn pattern or change lanes abruptly while driving a four-wheeler. Violation of this rule can lead to a fine in Kolkata.

• Get Insurance: You must have car insurance before hitting the road to avoid heavy fines & penalties.

Below are some essential traffic rules that a person driving a two-wheeler should follow:

• Adhere To Speed Limits: Never overspeed while riding a two-wheeler. Always maintain the desired Speed limit while riding for your safety.

• Avoid Tripling: Riding with over two people (including the rider) on a two-wheeler is not allowed in Kolkata to ensure they are seated securely and safe for others as well. 

• Don’t Use Headphones: Strict hefty fines are imposed when found using headphones while riding a two-wheeler in Kolkata.

• Maintain Lane Discipline: Stay within your lane and avoid weaving in and out of traffic recklessly.

• Wear Helmet: Both rider and pillion must always wear helmets while riding.

• Get Insurance: It is mandatory for you to have a bike insurance plan for your vehicle. If not, a fine of ₹1,000 can be imposed in Kolkata.  

Kolkata Traffic Police have an enormous role in maintaining the sanctity of the “CITY OF JOY” with its busy roads and heavy traffic hours. They also organise awareness programmes like “SAVE DRIVE, SAVE LIFE” for traffic education.

Thus, as citizens, we are responsible for cooperating with them by abiding by the rules and regulations on the road and ensuring our safety and our fellow travellers.