The Uttar Pradesh Transport Department on Tuesday announced major relief for vehicle owners by cancelling non-tax e-challans issued between 2017 and 2021.
According to officials, the cancelled challans would now be visible on the transport portal under two categories — “disposed–abated” (for cases pending in court) and “closed–time bar” (for cases pending at the office level where the limitation period has expired).
This relief does not apply to tax-related cases, which will be settled only under tax laws. The entire process will be completed within 30 days, following which, vehicle owners will be able to check their challan status on the portal.
The department has also clarified this was only a closure, meaning no refunds will be given and old challans will not be reopened. All obstructions linked to these challans, such as renewal of fitness, permits, vehicle transfers and High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), will be automatically removed.
As per official data, 30.52 lakh challans were issued between 2017 and 2021, of which, 17.59 lakh have already been disposed of, while 12.93 lakh remain pending—10.84 lakh in court and 1.29 lakh at the office level. Under the new initiative, these pending challans will be resolved digitally within a stipulated timeframe.
Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh told The Indian Express that the initiative was “required and timely”. “The decision has been taken following the law and the rules and regulations. These challans had been pending at the court. Our goal is to provide citizens with a smooth, safe, and respectful service experience,” he said.
The detailed order issued by the Transport Commissioner office mentions all the related specific Motor Vehicle Act, Governor Ordinance and order/directives by the Allahabad High Court.
- Check after one month: If your challan from 2017–2021 still shows pending or blocked on the portal, check the e-challan/transport portal after one month for updated status.
- Court-related challans: Challans pending in court will be marked as “disposed – abated” once all departmental queries are resolved.
- Office-level challans: If the challan wasn’t sent to court and the limitation period has expired, it will be marked as “closed – time-bar (non-tax).”
- Tax-related challans not covered: Challans involving tax are not eligible for this relief. They will only be resolved according to applicable tax laws.Need help? Call the transport helpline at 149 or visit your local RTO/ARTO office for assistance.
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