Bengaluru witnesses overwhelming response
Bengaluru: The city has witnessed a massive response to the 50 per cent rebate scheme on pending traffic fines, with authorities collecting over ₹54 crore in just 17 days. The drive, which began on 23 August 2025, has helped clear 19.36 lakh violations and has been hailed as one of the most successful enforcement initiatives in recent years.
Record collections in short span
According to Bengaluru Traffic Police, the scheme has resulted in collections far exceeding previous drives. On the very first day, nearly 1.5 lakh challans were settled, contributing over ₹4.2 crore. By 3 September, the figure had already touched ₹31.87 crore, with over 11 lakh cases resolved. On 6 September alone, citizens cleared 1.94 lakh challans, paying ₹5.41 crore in fines.
The collections have significantly outperformed the last rebate initiative held in 2023, when only ₹5.6 crore was collected during the entire period. Officials said the sharp rise this year was due to better awareness, multiple payment platforms, and growing civic compliance.
Citizens and leaders join initiative
The scheme saw wide participation, ranging from ordinary citizens to high-profile political leaders. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah personally cleared fines worth ₹2,500 against seven traffic violations. BJP state president B. Y. Vijayendra also paid off 10 violations totalling ₹3,250. Even the Chief Minister’s official vehicle was flagged for overspeeding, underlining that enforcement was uniform.
Multiple payment options ensure convenience
To facilitate easy payment, authorities allowed violators to clear dues via the KSP app, BTP ASTraM app, Karnataka One, Bangalore One service centres, as well as directly at traffic police stations and the Traffic Management Centre. The use of digital platforms significantly reduced crowding at police offices and encouraged citizens to settle their pending dues from anywhere.
Impact on compliance and enforcement
Officials emphasised that the rebate scheme was not only about collections but also about promoting road discipline. By giving violators an opportunity to regularise past offences at reduced rates, authorities managed to close lakhs of pending cases while also driving home the importance of traffic compliance.
Transport and police officials noted that similar rebate programmes in the past had yielded mixed results, but this year’s response shows a marked improvement in public participation. The success, they said, was proof that well-designed incentives combined with strict enforcement can significantly improve civic responsibility.
Conclusion
The 50 per cent traffic fine rebate scheme in Bengaluru has emerged as a model for other Indian cities. With more than ₹54 crore collected and nearly 20 lakh violations resolved in under three weeks, the initiative highlights how targeted campaigns can boost compliance, ease enforcement backlogs, and generate much-needed revenue for civic administration.