Nagpur: A year after launching ‘Operation U-Turn’, the Nagpur City Police appear to have tightened the screws on drunken driving, booking a staggering 5,944 motorists in 2025, a dramatic 349 per cent rise compared to 1,323 offenders caught in 2024.
The figures, accessed through a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by activist Abhay Kolarkar, reveal the scale of the intensified enforcement drive across 10 traffic divisions, Sitabuldi, Cotton Market, Lakadganj, Kamptee, Sakkardara, Indora, Ajni, Sonegaon, MIDC and Sadar.
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Each offender was slapped with a fine of Rs 10,000, sending a strong financial message alongside legal action.
From 1,323 to 5,944: What changed?
The sharp spike suggests not necessarily a sudden rise in violations, but a far more aggressive enforcement strategy. Expanded surveillance, systematic nakabandis (checkpoints), and targeted late-night operations appear to have widened the enforcement net.
Sonegaon recorded the highest number of drunk driving cases in 2025 at 788, followed by Cotton Market (673), Sadar (650), and Lakadganj (658). Even traditionally quieter divisions like Sitabuldi and Kamptee saw steep increases.
On December 31, 2025 alone, a night typically associated with celebrations, police intercepted 120 drunk drivers citywide.
The strategy behind the surge
‘Operation U-Turn’ was launched in July 2025 under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, with a dual objective: deterrence and discipline.
“The aim is not just to impose fines, but to create awareness and instill road discipline. A disciplined society ensures safer roads,” Dr. Singal had stated while announcing the drive. He had identified drunken driving as a critical threat to road safety and called for sustained, large-scale nakabandi at key junctions.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Lohit Matani reinforced the message, emphasising compliance as the cornerstone of safety. “Roads will be safe only when citizens follow the rules,” he had said.
Division-wise snapshot (2024 vs 2025)
• Sitabuldi: 93 → 552
• Cotton Market: 87 → 673
• Lakadganj: 200 → 658
• Kamptee: 225 → 587
• Sakkardara: 135 → 536
• Indora: 190 → 458
• Ajni: 107 → 474
• Sonegaon: 101 → 788
• MIDC: 118 → 568
• Sadar: 67 → 650
Total:
2024 – 1,323
2025 – 5,944
Enforcement vs behavioural change
While the numbers underline an aggressive crackdown, officials maintain that the ultimate goal is behavioural correction, not merely revenue collection.
With sustained enforcement, awareness campaigns and visible policing, authorities hope the current spike in cases will eventually translate into fewer violations, and fewer accidents, in the years ahead.
For now, the message from Nagpur Police is unmistakable: if you drink and drive, expect a U-turn — straight to the penalty slip.
