The Delhi Transport Department is developing a system to streamline the payment of traffic challans by sending automated messages directly to the violators.
The Delhi Transport Department is developing a system to streamline the payment of traffic challans by sending automated messages directly to violators. These messages, sent via SMS or WhatsApp, will provide detailed information about the violation and instructions to make the payment.
On clicking the payment option, the message will redirect the user to a payment gateway. Through which they will be able to pay the fine amount easily. The media report quoted a senior official as saying, “As soon as someone clicks on the payment option on WhatsApp, they will be directed to a payment gateway with multiple options, including BHIM UPI.”
Transport department officials recently met WhatsApp officials in this regard. The department aims to launch this system within the next six months.
In addition, officials have requested access to the challan database from the National Informatics Centre, which is generated at echallan.parivahan.gov.in. Once access is granted, the automated message links will direct users to the e-challan website. Where they can select and pay any outstanding challan.
Other UPI apps including Google Pay and Bhim will also be integrated to make payments. A push notification will be sent every time a challan is generated.
This initiative is being launched as many people reported that they do not receive challan messages from the transport department. Officials said that this was indeed a matter of concern as the department does not have mobile numbers of everyone.
Officials say the system will help the government raise revenue as many people avoid paying challans online. Some are not even aware that they have pending challans.
“Since WhatsApp has a push message feature, it will keep reminding the person that a challan is pending. It will be similar to using the service for pending payments with a bank or other companies,” the official said.
