Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Traffic Police has launched a large-scale enforcement and awareness drive titled Operation Meet and Greet to crack down on drunk driving and improve road safety across the state.
The special campaign was conducted on May 9 and 10 under the directions of DGP Rajeev Krishna, with intensified vehicle checking carried out at 135 toll plazas across Uttar Pradesh.
According to A Satish Ganesh, the operation targeted motorists driving under the influence of alcohol, particularly during weekends when road accidents linked to drunken driving tend to increase significantly.
During the two-day campaign, traffic police teams checked a total of 69,683 vehicles and issued challans to 2,654 drivers found allegedly driving after consuming alcohol. Authorities imposed penalties amounting to more than Rs 2.65 crore during the operation.
Police officials stated that dedicated checking teams were deployed at every lane of selected toll plazas to ensure systematic screening of vehicles. The operation involved around 3,645 personnel from the traffic police, civil police, and home guards departments.
The checking teams were equipped with breath analysers, body-worn cameras, reflective jackets, and other enforcement tools to ensure transparent and effective monitoring during the drive.
Apart from enforcement, the campaign also focused on public interaction and awareness. Women police personnel interacted with female passengers travelling with families, enquired about their safety and well-being, and spread awareness about road safety measures.
Officials also carried out verification of High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on heavy vehicles, including dumpers and trucks, as part of the broader road safety and compliance initiative.
The Uttar Pradesh Police said the campaign aimed not only to penalise offenders but also to encourage responsible driving behaviour and reduce accidents caused by alcohol consumption.
Under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, driving under the influence of alcohol is a punishable offence. A first-time offender can face a fine of up to Rs 10,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both. Repeat offenders may face penalties of up to Rs 15,000 along with imprisonment of up to two years.
Traffic authorities reiterated that strict action against drunk driving will continue in the coming weeks, especially during weekends and peak travel periods. Officials urged citizens to avoid driving after consuming alcohol and to follow traffic rules for the safety of all road users.
The campaign reflects the state government’s broader push to strengthen road safety enforcement and reduce fatalities caused by reckless and impaired driving on highways and urban roads.
