Residents of Delhi are expressing renewed hope as authorities announce a stringent new measure to combat the city's pervasive traffic menace: the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against motorists caught driving against the flow of traffic. This move signals a potential crackdown on a dangerous practice that has evolved from reckless behavior to an everyday occurrence on the capital's roads.
Scale of the Problem: Data Reveals Hotspots
Recent data from the Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) for 2025 underscores the alarming scale of wrong-side driving. The statistics, based on notices issued through cameras and other tech-based inputs, pinpoint specific zones as major violation hubs. Rohini's Sector 23 emerged as the top offender with 2,008 cases, closely followed by the Bhopura border in Nand Nagri and New Friends Colony. Other critical areas include Khajuri Chowk, Mayur Vihar, and Bhajanpura.
When it comes to on-the-spot fines, or challans, the situation is equally grim. Kalindi Kunj in Sarita Vihar recorded the highest number at 2,756 cases. Pandav Nagar and Khajuri Chowk also featured prominently on this list. Additional major violation zones identified by the police are Shastri Park, Seelampur, Pul Mithai, and the Singhu Border.
Residents Speak Up: From Habit to Hazard
The problem is no longer confined to main arteries. From underpasses and flyover loops to service lanes and busy intersections, vehicles including cars, two-wheelers, and auto-rickshaws routinely enter opposite lanes to avoid long U-turns. This habitual violation turns routine commutes into dangerous encounters for all road users.
Citizen frustration is mounting. The Residents Welfare Association (RWA) of East of Kailash plans to formally write to the Delhi government and the DTP, urging immediate action. RWA President Vishal Rajpal outlined a comprehensive list of demands, including strict enforcement against wrong-side driving, removal of illegally parked vehicles, clearance of footpath encroachments, and restoration of pedestrian safety infrastructure.
Echoing these concerns, Karan Aggarwal, a resident of East of Kailash, highlighted specific trouble spots like Raja Dhir Sen Marg. "We repeatedly inform the government through WhatsApp and letters about stretches where vehicles drive on the wrong side daily. These locations become accident-prone," he stated, citing the reckless behavior of dark store delivery vehicles.
Enforcement and Public Response
On the ground, the situation often turns confrontational. A courier shop owner from Sant Nagar, who volunteered to act as a witness, reported, "We see wrong-side driving by two-wheelers round the clock. If drivers are stopped or questioned, many argue or even turn aggressive."
While welcoming the FIR initiative, residents emphasize the need for consistent, visible policing. Tushali Bansal from Rohini noted that in her largely residential area, wrong-side driving has become an ingrained habit, partly due to underdeveloped roads in places like Sector 23. "Registering FIRs is a good step... but visible on-ground presence makes a big difference. When enforcement is seen, people immediately start following the rules," she remarked.
The collective call from Delhi's citizens is clear: the new policy of lodging FIRs must be backed by sustained and visible enforcement to finally reclaim the city's roads from the chaos of wrong-side driving.
