Bengaluru: The Karnataka Transport Department has suspended 5,947 driving licences (DLs) across the state in 2025 so far, with Bengaluru Urban accounting for the highest number at 4,479 cases, officials said.
According to a report published by The New Indian Express, of the total suspensions, 4,735 licences were cancelled for drunk driving (DD), making it the single largest cause of action. Officials said 1,512 cases, involving rash and negligent driving and other traffic violations, are still pending with Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
"Drinking and driving will not only harm them, but also puts at risk the lives of pedestrians and others. To bring in discipline, the department suspends DL in the very first offence for DD," TNIE quoted Transport Minister R Ramalinga Reddy as saying.
Joint Commissioner of Transport Department, Bengaluru Urban Division, M Shobha said after receiving reports from the traffic department, they are sent to the regional transport offices concerned, and action is taken.
Meanwhile, Joint Commissioner of Traffic (Bengaluru City) Karthik Reddy said standing instructions have been issued to all 53 traffic police stations to intensify checks, especially during weekends.
"There is zero tolerance towards DD cases. Once caught, the license is referred to the transport department for suspension with immediate effect," he said.
Officials said licences can be suspended for three to six months. "The hearing is held in some cases, and based on the replies from motorists and reports from the traffic department, further steps taken," he said.
As per the report, the transport department on the eve of New Year on Dec-31 has announced that emission validity for new vehicles will extend for one year, unlike in the past, which was for five months only. New vehicles do not require an emission test for 1 year; after that, emission tests are mandatory at regular intervals.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Bengaluru: Senior IPS officer Abdul Ahad, who is serving as Director of the Security and Vigilance Division of the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG).
Following the promotion order issued on Wednesday, Abdul Ahad assumed charge as DIG of the BMTC Security and Vigilance Division on Thursday.
A native of Moodubidri in Dakshina Kannada district, Abdul Ahad has held several key positions over more than two decades of his service. He has earlier served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Bengaluru City Crime Branch, Superintendent of Police in the Coastal Security Police, DCP of Whitefield, SP of the Anti-Corruption Bureau in Bengaluru, SP of the Economic Offences Wing of the CID, and as Commandant in the Karnataka State Reserve Police.
