21 October 2024, Kathmandu
Nepal’s traffic police have transitioned to a paperless system for issuing fines. Instead of traditional paper-based challans, traffic violators will now receive digital challans, allowing drivers to pay their fines directly through the Nagarik App.
Nepal Traffic Police Digital Fine System
This move comes after the integration of the Traffic Violation Record System (TVRS) into the app, enabling drivers to present their virtual driving license through the app rather than carrying a physical one.
At a special event held on Sunday by the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, the e-Challan system was officially launched. The event was attended by key officials, including Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal. The new system, which enables drivers to pay fines instantly via the Nagarik App, went live the same day.
E-Challan: A Step Towards Tech-Friendly Traffic Management
DIG Bharat Bahadur Bohara, the chief of the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, stated that the e-Challan system is expected to play a significant role in improving tech-based service delivery. “Heavy traffic congestion, limited road networks, lack of traffic awareness, and inadequate road infrastructure have been major challenges in traffic management,” he noted. “Despite limited resources, we have been striving to provide effective services.”
With the new system, traffic officers will no longer confiscate physical documents from drivers caught violating traffic rules. Instead, they will scan the QR code on the driver’s virtual license within the Nagarik App, which will then update all records in the TVRS. This development eliminates the need for drivers to visit traffic offices to retrieve their documents or pay fines in person.
Seamless Integration of Government Services
At the event, Transport Minister Devendra Dahal highlighted plans to interlink driving licenses, the Nagarik App, and the National Identity Card. This integration will remove the hassle of standing in long lines at government offices, further enhancing public convenience.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak emphasized the government’s commitment to making all administrative services technology-friendly to offer simpler, more accessible, transparent, and hassle-free services to the public. “I expect the traffic police to set an example by successfully implementing the digital e-Challan system,” he said.
Modernizing Traffic Management with TVRS and New Technologies
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Basanta Bahadur Kunwar added that alongside the TVRS, the traffic police are introducing online payment options, a Traffic Communication App, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to enhance traffic management. “The e-Challan system will also help modernize and streamline the current 24-hour notice system used in traffic violations,” Kunwar explained, adding that the digital transformation will further strengthen the internal purification and transparency efforts within the traffic police department.
Key Benefits of the E-Challan System
- Paperless Fines: Digital challans replace traditional paper ones.
- Instant Payments: Citizens can pay fines immediately via the Nagarik App.
- Virtual Licenses: Drivers can show their licenses digitally using the app.
- Improved Traffic Management: The system supports efficient service delivery with minimal resources.
- Enhanced Transparency: The system contributes to internal transparency and accountability within the traffic police.
- Reduced Hassles: The integration of driving licenses, the Nagarik App, and the National Identity Card will reduce the need for physical presence at government offices.
This e-Challan initiative marks a significant milestone in Nepal’s digital transformation journey, particularly in the realm of traffic management, setting an example for other sectors to follow.
Watch the Video: Nepal Traffic Police Digital Fine System
