Surat city has recorded a massive spike in traffic violations this year, with cases rising from 85,477 in 2024 to 11,52,671 in 2025 — a more than 13-fold increase. Helmet-related offences alone jumped from 13,379 last year to 7.97 lakh this year, a 60-fold rise, according to media.
The police’s intensified drive since January has resulted in 28,340 challans being issued between November 28 and December 8. Most violations were concentrated in Region 1 — covering Varachha, Kapodara, Sarthana, Laskana, Udhna and Limbayat — areas densely populated with diamond and textile workers and prone to peak-hour congestion.
Residents say frequent signals, metro construction and heavy two-wheeler traffic often push people to break rules. During the 11-day period, 9,616 cases of overspeeding, 7,328 signal violations and 2,139 wrong-side driving offences were registered, with Region 1 accounting for nearly half of these.
Region 3 — covering Athwa, Umra, Vesu, Dindoli, Sachin and Althan — saw 84% of the 585 helmet challans issued during the period.
‘Strict enforcement is the reason’
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Anupam said the rise in numbers reflects strict enforcement. “We aim to build traffic discipline. Licences of those with 50 or more unpaid challans have been cancelled,” she said, adding that action will soon be taken against unnecessary honking.
Traffic personnel say enforcement is challenging in some areas due to aggressive behaviour by violators. Many claim they face abuse, arguments and are filmed by offenders.
Surat Police have installed 2,300 CCTV cameras and divided the city into four traffic regions for better monitoring. Meetings with diamond factory owners have also resulted in staggered closing times to ease evening traffic flow.
Traffic violations in Surat
| Offence | 2025 Cases | 2024 Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet rule violations | 7.97 lakh | 13,379 |
| Signal violations | 1,20,296 | 16,633 |
| Overspeeding | 1,85,145 | 55,465 |