Vehicle Owners To Get Challans on Whatsapp: Details
Imagine you open your WhatsApp thinking that you received a text from someone. However, that someone is the Delhi Transport Department, which has sent you a payment link for your vehicle’s challan. You’d be surprised, right? Well, if you live in Delhi, then you have to get used to this, as in the coming months, this will become a reality. At the moment, this WhatsApp challan system is for commercial vehicles, and it is in the ideation stage. But soon enough, it will become a reality.
Delhi Transport Department to send challans via WhatsApp
As per the Delhi Transport Department, it is currently hiring a service provider that can help them in managing this new WhatsApp challan system. It has been stated that the service provider will be required to create and distribute these personalized e-challans to commercial vehicle owners.
Most likely, once this system works efficiently for commercial vehicles, the Delhi Transport Department will utilize it for private vehicles as well. According to reports, this new system will also be integrated with the e-Parivahan portal to access challan records for individuals.
With this, it will allow the service provider to efficiently manage and dispatch challans. Another crucial part that the service provider will take care of is the development of this integrated system with WhatsApp to send payment links. In addition to this, the system will send necessary notifications, like due date reminders and payment receipts, to vehicle owners.
Automated challans in both languages
As per the reports, this system will also support both Hindi and English languages. Additionally, it will be able to send different types of content like images, videos, and PDFs. The Delhi Transport Department aims to ensure that vehicle owners can get clear communications.
When will this system roll out?
At the moment, the exact date for this WhatsApp challan system’s rollout has not been revealed. However, if the Delhi Transport Department manages to find a service provider that can facilitate all of the above requirements on time, it could be possible that this system rolls out in a few months.
Not for private vehicles
As mentioned above, presently this system has been proposed for commercial vehicles only. However, if this system can efficiently send challans and the vehicle owners comply, it is likely that this system will be implemented for private vehicle owners as well.
At the moment, the Delhi Transport Department issues 1,000–1,500 challans every day. However, once this WhatsApp challan system comes into effect, this number will significantly increase. The main reason behind the increase will be the automated nature of this system.
Will other states follow this system?
Once this system comes into place and it can be noted that it works efficiently, it is likely that other states in India will also implement it. With this system, the transport departments of other states will also be able to add revenue from e-challans.
AI Camera challans
Over the last few years, various states, particularly Kerala, have started installing AI cameras on roads. These AI cameras capture vehicles that break traffic rules and then send challans to the vehicle owners at their addresses.
However, in the future, these AI cameras can also be integrated with the WhatsApp challan system to create an even more streamlined system.
Challan deduction from FASTag
Earlier in August, it was reported that the Bihar government managed to roll out an automatic e-detection system at all toll plazas across the state. This new system, which is currently live at 32 toll plazas in Bihar, is integrated with FASTag technology.
With this system, once a vehicle passes through a toll plaza, a picture of the vehicle will be clicked. After this, the information will be referenced with the National Informatics Centre’s (NIC) vehicle portal. If the vehicle does not have a valid PUC certificate, insurance, fitness certificate, or permit, the amount of the challan will be deducted from FASTag.