UP Transport Dept rolls out WhatsApp chatbot to recover pending e-challans

In a major digital push to recover crores in pending traffic fines, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department has introduced a WhatsApp chatbot service (8005441222) for sending e-challan notices directly to vehicle owners.

The service will allow recipients not only to receive verified challan notices but also to instantly check their status and make online payments.

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According to officials here on Thursday, the department has launched a statewide campaign to clear pending challans for 2024–25. However, more than one-third of these challans cannot be delivered, as vehicle registration details either lack mobile numbers or contain incorrect ones.

0To avoid heavy penalties, the department has advised vehicle owners to regularly check their challan status on the official portal parivahan.gov.in and make timely payments.

Through the verified WhatsApp chatbot, the department can send up to 36 lakh e-challan notices. The service, which is government-approved and blue-tick verified, will remain active for three financial years starting from 2022–23.

For 2024–25 alone, over 14 lakh notices will be issued, most of them targeting owners who provided wrong or no mobile numbers during registration. Such owners may face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act, in addition to legal proceedings.

In 2024–25, the state issued a total of 2,701,786 e-challans worth 1,411.2 crore.

Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh said, “Currently, we are sending notices for pending challans of 2024–25. Later, a similar process will be initiated for the years 2022 and 2023 as well.”