GANGTOK, : The Sikkim Transport department has stepped forward to dispel rumours
circulating on social media regarding an alleged ‘Wrong AI Challan’,
emphasizing the reliability and effectiveness of its AI-based challan system.
In
a press statement Tuesday, the Transport department clarified that in the
isolated incident in question, a reversal message was sent to the vehicle owner
via SMS within 6 seconds of the challan being issued, followed by a WhatsApp
notification.
According
to the Transport department, the incident stemmed from a rare technical glitch
caused by an unexpected internet outage at a junction - a factor beyond the
department’s control. While a motorbike rider without a helmet was present, a
brief internet disruption led the system to capture an incorrect evidence
image.
However,
the system’s auto-check mechanism swiftly identified the error, reversing the
challan within 6 seconds and notifying the owner immediately, the department
said.
“Out
of 32,000 challans issued to date, this remains the only such case,” a
department spokesperson stated, attributing the glitch to a possible National
Informatics Centre (NIC) outage or a temporary drop in ISP services-issues akin
to a phone or computer freeze, resolved with a simple restart.
The
Transport department has since resolved the bug and implemented additional
checks to prevent recurrence.
Despite
the swift correction, online criticism has overlooked the system’s robust track
record, said the department.
The
department maintained that the AI-based challan system
operates under strict guidelines:
Outdated Documents:Challans are issued
only when a vehicle’s documents are not updated.
Fake or Physical PUC: Vehicles with fake
Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates or no valid PUC are flagged.
However, physical PUCs are recognized as valid, and related challans are
waived.
Frequent Reminders: Violators receive
regular SMS reminders for pending challans to promote compliance.
Guaranteed Accuracy: If a challan is
proven to be wrongly issued despite valid documents, the department pledges to
refund double the challan amount—a bold assurance of the system’s precision.
Far
from being a tool for unjust penalties, the AI system is designed to enhance
road safety and ensure compliance. The department highlighted its success in
tackling serious violations, such as duplicate number plates and fake
registrations.
“Just
today, an individual approached our office about a vehicle scrapped years ago
but still being misused with the same number,” the spokesperson revealed.
Additionally, the system has identified and reported 15 vehicles with fake
number plates—offenses that traditional methods would struggle to detect.
The
Sikkim Transport department reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging technology
for the public good.
“This
system has ensured timely document updates, reduced violations, and made our
roads safer. One-off technical hiccups should not overshadow its overwhelming
success,” the spokesperson added, urging the public to see beyond social media
trolling and recognize the broader benefits of the AI-powered initiative.
