Punjab Expands e-Challan System to 19 Cities Under Smart Safe City Cameras
Punjab Expands e-Challan System
The Punjab government has expanded the e-challan system under the Smart Safe City project, making traffic monitoring more efficient and transparent across the province. The initiative, which began in Lahore in 2018, now includes 19 major cities of Punjab. Through Safe City cameras, the authorities can automatically detect traffic violations and issue e-challans directly to vehicle owners, ensuring greater compliance with traffic laws.
This smart expansion aims to create safer roads and modernize traffic management by using advanced surveillance technology. The success of this project in Lahore paved the way for its extension to several other districts across Punjab.
Origin of the Punjab e-challan Expansion: Lahore 2018
The Punjab e-challan system was first introduced in Lahore in 2018 as part of the Safe City project. The initiative replaced manual ticketing with automated camera-based challans. Every violation, such as signal jumping, overspeeding, or wrong parking, is captured on CCTV and sent to the central command center.
After its success in Lahore, where millions of violators were identified and fined, the provincial government decided to expand the system across Punjab to improve transparency and efficiency in traffic law enforcement.
What “Smart Safe City” Means in the Punjab e-challan Expansion
The term Smart Safe City represents the modern face of Punjab’s urban security and traffic management system. Under this program, thousands of high-tech cameras are installed at intersections, highways, and major city roads. These cameras not only record violations but also help improve overall security monitoring.
The Punjab e-challan expansion under the Smart Safe City initiative ensures that every violation is recorded digitally, reducing the chances of human error or corruption. This shift toward a technology-driven approach marks a big step toward smart governance and public safety.
Cities Included in the Punjab e-challan Expansion
The e-challan system, previously limited to Lahore, is now fully operational in the following 19 cities under the Smart Safe City project:
| No. | City Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Lahore | Origin City (2018) |
| 2. | Sargodha | Active |
| 3. | Jhang | Active |
| 4. | Muzaffargarh | Active |
| 5. | Multan | Active |
| 6. | Sialkot | Active |
| 7. | Okara | Active |
| 8. | Mianwali | Active |
| 9. | Attock | Active |
| 10. | Rahim Yar Khan | Active |
| 11. | Gujrat | Active |
| 12. | Jhelum | Active |
| 13. | Murree | Active |
| 14. | Hasan Abdal | Active |
| 15. | Sheikhupura | Active |
| 16. | Dera Ghazi Khan | Active |
| 17. | Bahawalpur | Active |
| 18. | Sahiwal | Active |
| 19. | Kasur | Active |
This province-wide expansion ensures that drivers in almost every region are monitored under a uniform, technology-based system.
Scale and Impact of the Punjab e-challan Expansion
According to official statistics from the Safe City Authority, more than 17.8 million e-challans (1,78,03,159) have been issued so far under this system. These fines have generated a total revenue of Rs. 3,58,45,56,850, which contributes significantly to the provincial exchequer.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Total Challans Issued | 1,78,03,159 |
| Total Revenue Generated | Rs. 3,58,45,56,850 |
The figures reflect how effectively the system is working and how citizens are becoming more cautious about following traffic laws. The increasing use of Safe City cameras has reduced the need for manual policing and made the process more transparent.
How the Punjab e-challan Expansion Affects Everyday Drivers
For everyday drivers, this expansion means stricter enforcement of rules and greater accountability. Every movement on main roads and intersections is now monitored through high-resolution Safe City cameras. If a driver breaks a signal or parks incorrectly, an e-challan is automatically issued and sent to the vehicle owner’s registered address or mobile number.
Authorities have urged citizens to follow all traffic rules carefully. Violations can lead to heavy fines, and in some cases, repeated offenses can affect license renewal or vehicle registration. The message from officials is clear: “Drive responsibly to avoid penalties.”
Official Plans: Future Extension of the Punjab e-challan Expansion
Traffic authorities have confirmed that the Punjab e-challan expansion will not stop here. The plan is to extend the Smart Safe City system to all districts of Punjab in the near future. By expanding the digital infrastructure, the government aims to make the province a model of intelligent traffic management for the rest of Pakistan.
The ultimate goal is a province-wide network where every road is monitored in real-time, ensuring road safety and reducing traffic accidents.
Practical Checklist for Citizens
Here are a few important reminders for drivers under the Punjab e-challan expansion system:
- Always stop at red signals.
- Avoid using mobile phones while driving.
- Do not park your vehicle in restricted zones.
- Follow lane discipline.
- Keep your vehicle documents and registration updated.
- Check e-challan status regularly through the official portal.
- Pay fines on time to avoid additional penalties.
- Drive carefully, especially in Smart Safe City camera zones.
Conclusion
The Punjab e-challan expansion represents a new era in traffic monitoring and public safety. By extending the Smart Safe City system to 19 cities, the government has made a strong move toward transparency, efficiency, and modernization. Citizens are urged to obey traffic laws not just to avoid fines, but to contribute to safer and more disciplined roads across Punjab.
