The Delhi government is revamping the way vehicle challan payments, aiming for a process as convenient as online shopping.
Key Highlights
The government issued a new tender to develop a WhatsApp Business and API-based solution. This system will automate the delivery of traffic violation details and fines directly to violators’ mobile phones.
The innovative approach involves sending an automated WhatsApp message that contains information about the violation and the associated fine.
As one government official explained, “Clicking on the payment option in the WhatsApp message will take the recipient to a payment gateway that offers multiple options, including BHIM UPI, to pay one or more fines.”
This initiative aims to streamline the payment process by integrating popular UPI apps like Google Pay and BHIM, enabling users to settle their fines quickly.
The official added that once a payment is made through one of these apps, push notifications will be sent every time a new challan is generated, ensuring that users stay informed about their outstanding dues.
This new system will initially focus on transport-related challans and seek to address current notification shortcomings. As one official stated many vehicle owners don’t receive SMS notifications for challans for weeks. This issue will be resolved once our system is operational.
Delhi has approximately 82 lakh active vehicles and an average of 1,000 to 1,500 e-challans issued daily. The new AI-based traffic violation booking system will boost the volume of fines collected.
Using WhatsApp, a platform that millions are familiar with, will improve communication with users.
“Since WhatsApp has become the most commonly used messaging channel for communication today, the Vehicle Challan Enforcement Department plans to utilize it as a convenient communication tool,” the official remarked.
To ensure inclusivity, the system will also send SMS and emails to users who don’t use WhatsApp. Bidders interested in providing this service must submit their queries by October 30. A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for November 1.
The Delhi government’s decision to streamline vehicle challan payments via WhatsApp is an innovative step towards improving user convenience. Integrating UPI apps simplifies the payment process and addresses issues with delayed notifications. Using WhatsApp, a familiar platform, enhances engagement, while SMS and email options ensure inclusivity. This decision could boost compliance and improve the experience for vehicle owners.ELCTRIK Speaks