Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, May 1: In a major enforcement push to improve road discipline, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Mumbai have suspended as many as 5,506 driving licences over the past 16 months, officials said.

The action, carried out between January 2025 and April 2026, reflects a stricter stance against repeat offenders and serious traffic violations across the city.

According to official data, Mumbai Central RTO recorded the highest number of suspensions at 2,587, followed by Wadala with 1,854 cases. Andheri reported 721 suspensions, while Borivali accounted for 344.

Authorities said the crackdown is part of ongoing inspection drives at major junctions, highways, and toll plazas aimed at enforcing compliance and ensuring safer roads.

Most of the suspensions were linked to offences such as drunk driving, overspeeding, signal jumping, and use of mobile phones while driving. Violations including not wearing helmets or seat belts, overloading passengers, and misuse of goods vehicles also attracted strict action.

Officials warned that the enforcement drive will continue with greater intensity, adding that habitual offenders will face stricter penalties in the coming days.

Experts have welcomed the move, noting that licence suspension serves as a stronger deterrent compared to fines, particularly for repeat violators. However, they emphasised that enforcement alone is not sufficient to address Mumbai’s traffic challenges.

Concerns such as rising congestion, infrastructure limitations, and shortage of enforcement personnel also need to be addressed to bring long-term improvements.

The intensified crackdown comes amid growing concerns over road safety in the city, with authorities stressing that a combination of strict enforcement, public awareness, and infrastructure upgrades is essential to reduce accidents and ensure commuter safety.