NEW DELHI: There was a 32% decrease in the number of challans issued during Holi this year compared to last year, according to data released by the Delhi Police. The figures show that 1,204 people were challenged for drunken driving during the festival, while four people lost their lives in road accidents.Overall, 4,929 challans were issued across the city during Holi. The highest number of challans came from the western range, where 969 violators were booked. This was followed by the central range with 884 challans and the southern range with 857 challans.
Apart from cases of drunken driving, the remaining 3,725 challans were issued for other traffic violations. These included offenses such as triple riding on two-wheelers, vehicles with tinted glass, and riding without helmets, among others.A closer look at the data shows that two-wheeler riders accounted for the majority of drunken driving cases. Over 900 people riding two-wheelers were challaned for driving under the influence of alcohol, while 142 cases involved car drivers and other vehicle operators.In comparison, last year a total of 7,230 challans were issued during Holi, of which 1,213 people were booked for drunken driving.This year a total of 22 road accidents were reported across Delhi. Among these, 18 were simple accidents and 4 were fatal, resulting in 18 people injured and 4 deaths.The figures show a significant drop in fatalities compared to some previous years, even though the number of non-fatal accidents increased.In 2025, when Holi fell on March 14, the capital recorded 13 total accidents, including 7 simple accidents and 6 fatal accidents. These incidents led to 12 injuries and 6 deaths.The year 2024 saw one of the highest fatality counts in recent years. On March 25, 2024, 27 total accidents were reported, including 14 fatal accidents, leaving 28 people injured and 14 dead.A senior police officer said that personnel were deployed at 134 key intersections across the city until Wednesday evening to maintain strict vigil and ensure road safety during the festivities. In addition, 79 joint pickets were set up in coordination with local police stations, where teams equipped with alcometers conducted checks to detect drunken driving and prevent accidents.
