Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, in 2017 on a pilot basis by the Mumbai Traffic police in October 2016, the e-challan system has since been put into practive all over the country. Aimed at digitising the process of traffic violation enforcement by eliminating manual loopholes, the system is proving to be annoying for transporters however.

It is not the technology, but the ones who deploy the system, claims transporters. Stating that the e-challan system has over time become a source of significant distress for transporters even though its introduction was appreciated by the industry as it digitised the process of traffic violation enforcement and eliminated many manual loopholes, Bal Malkit Singh, Chairman - Core Committe and Former President, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), averred, "The system has over time become a source of significant distress for transporters and other road users. It has become a new ‘Frankenstein’ and death knell for the road transport sector.” 

Stating that a strong resentment is brewing and the transport fraternity across the country is agitating, Singh said, “The intention behind e-challans is to improve transparency and reduce manual intervention, but several issues have risen to complicate the situation for transporters.” “The primary issue stems from the large volume of incorrect or excessive e-challans issued to them. Many trucks plying long distances are receiving multiple e-challans for the same alleged offense or due to erroneous readings from speed detection or overloading devices,” he added. 

Giving an example of trucks travelling through multiple states often receiving fines for supposed infractions such as over-speeding or minor overloading even though they are within legal limits, Singh explained, “Such errors accumulate and led to a financial strain for transporters. This is exacerbated as transporters operate nationwide – covering diverse terrains and jurisdictions – that would mean that they may be penalised in various states.” “These fines often lack clarity or the chance for immediate redressal, leading to confusion and increased operational costs,” he elaborated.

Informing that enforcement officials have found a way around technology to generate motivated challans without any verifiable proof of offence, which is leading to acute harassment of the transport fraternity, Singh articulated, “There is neither authentication of any violation through static photo nor there is any transparency leading to acute harassment of the transport fraternity. Static photo of a parked vehicle is clicked and challans are issued for random offences. The vehicle owner may be from a geographically distant state and cannot contest the challan in court. Lack of communication regarding issuance of e-challan to the vehicle owner/operators who is sitting in one part of the country and must travel across the length and breadth of it to get it disposed/rectified.”

With instance where the vehicle owner comes to know of the challans issued only after he tries to dispose of his vehicle, goes to renew its fitness and to renew the permit (in the case of commercial vehicles), the issues with e-challans is pan-India in nature than be limited to a certain geographically or cultural area it looks like. 

Transport associations like the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) have voiced concerns and are actively engaging with state and central authorities to address the growing problem. They have raised issues related to inaccurate e-challans due to technical errors or faulty detection equipment, lack of a unified system across states leading to inconsistency in how fines are issued and difficulty in contesting these fines as there is no streamlined process for redressal or appealing incorrect challans.

They are demanding a centralised and transparent grievance redressal system, standardisation of e-challan policies, equipment calibration across states and leniency or waiver of penalties that are clearly issued due to system malfunctions, according to Singh. 

Of the opinion that traffic enforcement is a state subject, Singh expressed that the intensity and frequency of issues differ state-to-state therefore and in some states use of faulty equipment or overly strict enforcement practices that has led to a higher number of incorrect challans. Singh drew attention to issues like non-integration with national vehicle databases (such as Vahan 4) in some states. “The system in Telangana for example,” Singh articulated, “has been of specific concern for transporters because it is not fully integrated with the national system, leading to problems like wrongful issuance of challans for vehicles from other states.” 

"The potential solutions to addressing the issue of e-challan," Singh commented, “Is to ensure scientifically verifiable evidence. A centralised grievance redressal system with a nodal officer should be put in place. The exact recording of the offence with exact measurement in case of over-height or overload or similar such case should be presented rather than a picture to avoid any doubt about motivated action. Equipment and procedures should be standardised. Vehicle databases should be integrated. Enforcement officials should ne trained to be humane. The accountability of the enforcement officials should be ascertained whenever the issue of motivated challans is there." 

Image for representative purpose only. 

Tata Motors has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Government of Maharashtra to restore 1,000 water bodies in over 20 districts in the water-stressed regions of the state.

By utilising the ‘Gal Mukt Dharan Gal Yukt Shivar Yojana’, a community-based de-siltation programme, in collaboration with the Maharashtra government's Soil and Water Conservation Department, NAAM Foundation, and local communities, Tata Motors successfully revitalised 356 water bodies in Maharashtra in 2024. Approximately six million cubic metres of silt were excavated as a consequence of the initiative in 10 districts: Pune, Palghar, Thane, Satara, Dhule, Solapur, Chandrapur, Ahmednagar, Beed and Latur. In addition to helping 7,000 farmers, this cooperative effort has greatly increased the water table and enhanced access to drinkable water in rural Maharashtra, creating a capacity of almost seven billion litres of water.

Tata Motors now plans to expand the water conservation programme to more than 20 districts throughout the state, including the water-scarce areas of Marathwada and Vidarbha. In Amravati, Latur, Chandrapur, Nagpur, Nanded, Parbhani, Akola, Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, Dharashiv, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Ahilya Nagar, Sangli, Solapur, Pune, Palghar, Thane and other districts of the state, the planned partnership seeks to revitalise and revitalise a thousand water bodies. The programme's implementation partner will be NAAM Foundation.

Gal Mukt Dharan Gal Yukt Shivar Yojana gives farmers with preapproved funding for silt delivery to their farms, hence improving soil fertility. The end-to-end digital monitoring method assures project agility and transparency throughout. The success and effect of water body rehabilitation in Maharashtra demonstrate Tata Motors' commitment to long-term development and rural community upliftment.

Vinod Kulkarni, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Tata Motors, said, “We are immensely proud to have strengthened our partnership with the Government of Maharashtra and NAAM Foundation to address the impact of droughts and water scarcity in the state. The successful rejuvenation and restoration of 356 water bodies in 2024 has encouraged us to scale up the programme to over 20 districts and reach many more villages in Maharashtra. This programme strives to raise the water table, provide access to potable water, make irrigation water available throughout the year, thus improving livelihood for villagers.”

Priya Khan, Officer on Special Duty – Chief Minister’s Office, Government of Maharashtra, said, “The Government of Maharashtra launched the 'Gal Mukt Dharan, Gal Mukt Shivar Yojana’ to increase water capacity of existing dams and water bodies. This programme has evolved into a people’s movement thanks to the invaluable support of our partner organisations like Tata Motors and NAAM Foundation. Together, we are not just restoring water bodies; we are fostering resilience and sustainability to reduce the impact of recurring droughts in the state.”

Ganesh Thorat, CEO – NAAM Foundation, said, “The NAAM Foundation began addressing Maharashtra's acute water shortage in 2015. Our partnership with Tata Motors and the Government of Maharashtra is a significant milestone towards these efforts. Last year we collectively expanded our work to 10 districts. We are happy to see that the positive impact of the water conservation efforts will now reach more districts.”

Ashok Leyland, the Indian flagship of the Hinduja Group and the country’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer, has secured the No. 1 global ranking in Sustainalytics' ESG Risk Rating for the Heavy Machinery and Trucks sector in Q3 FY25.

Ashok Leyland was evaluated by Sustainalytics on a number of ESG factors, including corporate governance, social responsibility and environmental management. Ashok Leyland's leadership in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles is demonstrated by this milestone, which emphasises the integration of sustainability into Business Operations, Product Stewardship, Corporate Social Responsibility and the wider ecosystem. The organisation's dedication to openness and improved disclosures solidifies its standing as a world leader in environmentally friendly corporate operations.

Shenu Agarwal, MD & CEO, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are honoured to be ranked No. 1 globally in Sustainalytics' ESG Risk Rating for Heavy Machinery & Trucks. This prestigious recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to ESG excellence. Being acknowledged by a globally renowned platform is a testament to Ashok Leyland’s dedication as we accelerate towards our vision of being amongst the Top 10 global commercial vehicle player.”

Alok Verma, Head – Corporate Strategy & ESG, Ashok Leyland, said, “We are thrilled to secure the top global ranking in Sustainalytics’ ESG Risk Rating. It is a testament to our relentless commitment to embedding sustainability into our core business strategy. At Ashok Leyland, we believe that integrating ESG into our core strategy not only strengthens our business but also ensures that we create long-term value for all our stakeholders. This recognition further motivates us to accelerate our journey towards a greener, more responsible future.”

Known for its engines, engine components and generators, Cooper Corporation has commissioned a modern tractor plant in Satara, Maharashtra. The plant will produce the Cooper Tractor NDC Series, which is designed to revolutionise farming with its superior performance, fuel efficiency and innovative engineering. 
A part of the company’s mission to innovate and provide superior machinery for the agriculture sector, the new plant attracted an investment of approximately INR 500-600 million. The initial capacity of the plant is to produce 2,000 tractors per month in low, mid and high horsepower segments. 
To be sold initially in Maharashtra, the Cooper Tractor NDC Series tractor – made at the Satara plant – is designed for tough terrains and heavy-duty operations. It comes with an array of innovative features, such as high fuel efficiency, ergonomic design and lower maintenance costs. 
Developed in collaboration with renowned global engineering firms such as Magna Steyr for design, Ricardo UK for engine development, Carraro for transmission and Mita for hydraulics, the Cooper Tractor promises superior performance and savings in fuel, service and operational costs and is tailored for Indian farming needs. 
Speaking about the development, Farrokh N Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “Today marks a historic milestone for Cooper Corporation as we step into the agricultural sector with the launch of our first-ever tractor. The Cooper Tractor NDC Series is a result of years of research, innovation and dedication to delivering a product that truly serves the needs of Indian farmers. Built with global expertise and local insights, this tractor is designed to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs and withstand the toughest farming conditions. As a company deeply rooted in Satara, we are proud to contribute to the growth of Indian agriculture and the prosperity of our farmers.”
The tractor – featuring dual-clutch transmission, power steering and a low turning radius of 3 m – is powered by a superior fuel-efficient four-valve engine with a bed plate design, HLA, Bosch Fuel System, ceramic-coated rings, piston cooling Jet and long-life compacted graphite cylinder head, 
Highlighting the tractor’s superior performance is its ability to deep plough, to low RPM drop during fieldwork and a quick forward and reverse shuttle lever. 

Eicher Trucks & Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), has announced that it has bagged an order from UPSRTC for 1,621 buses and 42 heavy-duty trucks. The order is part of the Uttar Pradesh Government’s focus on infrastructure development and includes 1,344 units of LMD Built-up Non-A/C Buses (Skyline Pro 3011 L and Skyline Pro 3010 L) for efficient passenger transport, 197 units of Eicher Pro 6016 12m AC Buses, 80 units of Eicher Pro 6016 CNG Bus Cowl Chassis and 42 units of Eicher Pro 3019 Trucks for logistics and parts movement.

Built on the dependable 3000 series platform, the Skyline Pro is a high-end line of light and medium load buses by Eicher. High performance E494 and E474 BSVI engines, which provide the highest fuel efficiency in their class, power the Skyline Pro series of buses. The buses on the Pro 3010 and 3011 platforms are constructed with a modern style and provide commuters with a more pleasant trip, varied seating options, improved visual appeal and an improved quality impression.

The strong E694 CNG engine of the Eicher Pro 6016 CNG Bus, which has an intercooler and turbocharger, can provide up to 150 kW of power. It has a sturdy Domex chassis, rubber-padded suspension for comfortable rides and large-capacity CNG tanks for longer journeys. For tough journeys, the sophisticated IDIS 2.0 system is a dependable workhorse that increases driver efficiency. With its intelligent and effective E494 engine and sophisticated Engine Management System, the Eicher Pro 3019 offers remarkable performance and fuel economy.

Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Limited, said, "We are privileged to have been entrusted by UPSRTC with this significant order, which underscores their confidence in our ability to provide dependable and efficient transportation solutions covering light & medium duty bus and heavy-duty bus operations. This milestone order solidifies our partnership with UPSRTC and Uttar Pradesh – the land of the Maha Kumbh."