The Delhi Traffic Police has re-introduced an app which is now called the Traffic Prahari App, offering the public an opportunity to earn hefty awards by reporting against the traffic violators. The campaign hopes to introduce means for maintaining road discipline and curb violations throughout the national capital by enlisting public participation.
Launched as ‘Traffic Sentinel App’ even in 2015, it was finally rebranded and re-launched on September 1, 2024 by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena. The app gives users the opportunity to become the “eyes and ears” of the police, empowering members of the public with a sense of civic duty.
How The App Works
To join, citizens just need to download the Traffic Prahari App from the Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store and register by using a mobile number and an OTP. They can then use the app to take clear pictures or video of traffic violations and upload them. For a report to be valid, it should include accurate timestamp and GPS location data; this is one of the things the app assists in capturing.
On receipt of such a report the Delhi Traffic Police examine the evidence. When the offence is verified, a challan (traffic fine) is levied on the owner of the vehicle and the user who reported the incident receives points. The system has already worked as upwards of 1,400-1,500 challans are being issued daily, just based on citizen reports, officials said.
Reportable Offenses and Rewards
The app enables members of the public to report a variety of traffic infractions, effectively turning every citizen into an informal traffic enforcement officer. Here are the key offences that can be reported:
- Illegal or improper parking
- Jumping a red light
- Wrong side of the road driving
- Dangerous or zig-zag driving
- Talking and texting while driving
- Pillion riding without helmet, Riding a two-wheeler without helmet
- Instances of “road-rage” or aggressive driving
The Delhi Police has also in place a monthly reward policy to encourage participation from the top contributors. The rewards are organized as:
- First Prize: ₹50,000
- Second Prize: ₹25,000
- Third Prize: ₹15,000
- Fourth Prize: ₹10,000
This form of citizen activism, which punishes the guilty, is being turned into a nice little earner for watchful residents, who have taken to organising local social media groups to help crowdsource their snoopery.
Read Also: Skoda Kodiaq Creates History, Becomes First Indian Petrol SUV at Everest Base Camp