In a major enforcement drive, the Mumbai Traffic Police penalised over 48,000 auto and taxi drivers in just two weeks, collecting a staggering ₹40.25 lakh in fines. The special drive, held between April 18 and May 4 under the leadership of Joint Commissioner of Traffic Anil Kumbhare, targeted a range of violations, with a major focus on the refusal to ply, the foremost complaint among city commuters.

The Joint Commissioner led the crackdown by issuing over 48,000 e-challans, including a whopping 28,814 for drivers who declined to ferry passengers. Authorities have initiated the suspension process of these drivers' licences through Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

The drive did not stop there as 1,164 drivers were fined for not wearing uniforms, 6,268 for overloading vehicles, and another 12,171 for various offences such as rash driving, illegal parking and signal jumping.

Officials say the massive action was prompted by persistent public complaints and aimed at instilling discipline and accountability at the city's transport system. More such drivers could be on the way, as the department plans to maintain strict oversight to ensure safer and more commuter-friendly roads in Mumbai.