Settlement scheme for pending traffic challans launched

Patna: The Bihar Police and transport department have launched the ‘Lump Sum Traffic Challan Settlement Scheme 2026’ to facilitate disposal of pending e-challans through National Lok Adalat proceedings during the financial year 2026-27.

The scheme, implemented with immediate effect, covers traffic violation e-challans issued by police or transport authorities that have remained unpaid for over 90 days as of March 31, 2026. It includes cases where prosecution reports have either been filed or are yet to be filed in court. Payments can be made through cash or UPI.

The next National Lok Adalat is scheduled for May 9.

More than 2 lakh traffic challan cases are currently pending in Bihar courts while 10,850 fresh cases were added in the first 16 days of April alone. The move comes after the Patna High Court, during hearing of a PIL, questioned why Bihar could not adopt Lok Adalat-based settlement of traffic challans like several other states.

Under the scheme, violators will receive relief in penalties for minor offences such as not wearing helmets or seat belts, speeding and driving without licence. Officials said such cases would be prioritised for settlement to reduce public inconvenience.

Addressing a press conference at police headquarters on Friday, additional director general (traffic) Sudhanshu Kumar said, “The Centre’s Cashless Treatment of Road Accident Victims Scheme (CAH) was rolled out nationwide by the PM from Feb 13, 2026. Under CAH, every road accident victim is entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1 lakh for a maximum of seven days from the date of accident.”

Sudhanshu said the scheme aimed to strengthen Golden Hour emergency care for accident victims. He added that hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY had been designated for treatment under the scheme.

He also said accident-involved vehicles must be returned to owners within 24 hours after inspection and legal formalities. For monitoring grievances, Police headquarters has set up a control room where vehicle details can be sent through WhatsApp for action.
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