Kathmandu Traffic Police Collect Over NPR 27 Million in Fines During Magh; Drunk Driving Remains a Concern

Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office has published its monthly progress report for the month of Magh. According to the statistics released by the office, more than NPR 27 million in revenue was collected from fines imposed on vehicles violating traffic rules in just one month. During checking throughout Magh, the traffic police took action against 37,416 vehicles, collecting NPR 27,053,065 in revenue.

Despite the traffic police intensifying vehicle checks, the number of drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol (Maapase) has not decreased. In the month of Magh alone, 2,447 drivers were penalized for Maapase violations. Among them, 2,430 were private vehicle drivers, while 12 were public transport drivers. Additionally, 2 government vehicle drivers and 3 tourist vehicle drivers were also penalized for Maapase.

Furthermore, the police took action against 18 drivers operating vehicles under the influence of narcotics (Laapase). A concerning issue is that 16 out of the 18 drivers penalized for Laapase were drivers of public transport vehicles.

Looking at the road accident statistics, 577 vehicle accidents occurred in the valley within one month, involving 1,012 vehicles. In these accidents, 15 people died, and 695 people were injured.

Driver negligence was identified as the main cause of the accidents. Police statistics show that 408 accidents were due to driver negligence, 88 due to excessive speed, and 54 due to alcohol consumption.

Vehicle theft incidents were also found to be significant in the valley. In one month, 229 vehicle theft reports (1 four-wheeler and 228 two-wheelers) were filed. The police managed to recover 76 vehicles and returned them to their respective owners. Two individuals involved in theft have been arrested, and legal proceedings have been initiated.

Moreover, the police have taken 12 out of 15 hit-and-run vehicles under control. Alongside traffic management and enforcement, the police have also emphasized public awareness. In Magh, 2,463 awareness programs were organized at schools and community levels, benefiting approximately 300,000 people. The office also stated that recommendations were provided to 11,658 individuals for lost driver's licenses, bluebooks, and vehicle permits.

To maintain high morale among police personnel, the office has also initiated creative exercises. Traffic police officers, numbering between 60 to 100, are being taken for hiking once a week, and 100 officers are being shown Nepali movies.

In addition, the office stated that surveillance and action against vehicles that misbehave with police during duty hours or charge excessive fares have been intensified.