The cases of drunk driving seems to be on a rise as data reveals that as many as 12,224 such cases were reported in Delhi between January and May 2025. The recent tragic case in Delhi's Janakpuri that killed two people and injured three others, including a pregnant woman and a child has shocked the nation.
A 19-year-old was behind the wheels when his speeding car rammed into two bicycles before crashing into a roadside jhuggi on May 29. It is similar to the horrific Pune Porsche crash where the kin of the two victims are still awaiting justice.
According to reports, the cases of driving under influence is rising sharply and leading to fatal accidents. Amid growing discussions around stricter measures for drunk driving 바카라” including potential cancellation of driving licence 바카라” the latest data shows that cases of driving under influence in the city are rising sharply. It is common enough in Delhi to see someone driving after having a drink or two. In many cases, this nonchalance has led to fatal accidents.
While in Delhi itself, a speeding car driven by an intoxicated man had crashed into six pedestrians recently in Old Rajender Nagar, injuring multiple people.
Delhi Drunk Driving Cases In 2025
According to Times of India report (print on May 31, 2025), as many as 12,224 drunk driving cases were reported and confirmed by Delhi Police from January 1 to May 29.
Localities: Cases reported in West Delhi are over 1,400 and the hotspots being - Rajouri Garden (434), Punjabi Bagh (389) and Tilak Nagar (269). Other areas include Narela circle (1,648), Karol Bagh (350), Safdarjung Enclave (336), Dwarka (287), New Friends Colony (220), Saket (175), Hauz Khas (104), Kalkaji (183) and Lajpat Nagar (151).
The prosecutions in these areas have been high and the report also mentions that the actual figures might be higher since these numbers only represent police action.
Meanwhile, TOI also said areas including CR Park, RK Puram, Patel Nagar, Preet Vihar and Vasant Kunj has 'zero prosecution' records which indicates that these need a stricter crackdown by the traffic police.
The Times Of India in an earlier report had mentioned that in the first three months of 2025, 7,717 cases of drunk driving were reported with 2,484 in January, 1,776 in February and 3,457 in March.
Looking Back At Data From 2024, 2023
Delhi Traffic Police booked over 12,000 persons for driving under the influence of alcohol from January 1 to June 30 of 2024.
The Hindu reported that in the first six months of 2024, 12,468 drunk drivers were booked while 9,837 people were booked in the first half of 2023.
Meanwhile, a stated that in 2023, the number stood at 5,584 for the first three months of the year.
In 2024, there were 22,703 drunk driving cases recorded in Delhi and in 2023 a total of 16,244 people were caught which marked a 40 per cent rise in numbers.
website stated that in 2023, 15,972 persons were prosecuted for drunk driving, which is 13,717 more than the number of persons prosecuted in 2022.
Road Safety Measures By Authorities
The Delhi Traffic Police in its website stated, "660 out of 1,432 fatal crashes which is around 46.08 per cent of fatal crash cases are 'hit and run' cases, in which the causes of crash could not be ascertained. However, inference may be made that the motorist might have been under the influence of alcohol. Efforts were made to reduce the number of crashes caused due to drink driving by increasing the prosecution of drivers driving under the influence of alcohol."
Satya Vir Katara, additional CP (Traffic) told TOI, "Driving when intoxicated with alcohol impairs judgement, slows reaction times and increases the likelihood of accidents causing injuries and fatalities, thus representing a grave road safety risk. The consequences of this irresponsible behaviour can be devastating."
He added, "The rise in cases also reflects the rise in enforcement measures. In response to this concerning surge in cases, Delhi Traffic Police has intensified efforts to crack down on drunken driving. Strict enforcement measures, including increased checks and breathalyser tests, are being exercised to deter individuals from engaging in this hazardous behaviour."
A senior police officer told The Hindu, "바카라‹Driving under the influence of alcohol poses a grave risk not only to the driver but also to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. It impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents causing injuries or fatalities. The consequences of such irresponsible behaviour can be devastating and irreparable."
"Citizens are encouraged to promptly report any instances of suspected drunken driving, thereby contributing to the collective effort to create safer roads for everyone," he added.
Some measures that can be taken to curb these incidents include - educating commuters about consequences of drunk driving, regular checkpoints, using breath analysers and CCTV footage to track irregular driving before any accident takes place.
Dr S Velmurugan, chief scientist and head traffic engineer at Central Road Research Institute, told TOI, "There needs to be a serious rethink on how we address drunk driving. It's not just about penalties, it's about creating visible deterrents. More pickets and random checks can act as a preventive measure. Right now, the low chance of get-ting caught gives drivers a false sense of impunity."
Rohit Baluja, another road safety expert shared his suggestion of catching intoxicated drivers, he said, "The real issue is that drunk driving isn't being treated with the gra-vity it deserves. We lack both equipment, like breathalysers, and a systematic approach. There's also little consistency in prosecution."
Prosecution
According to Delhi Traffic Police website, driving under the influence of liquor/drugs is a punishable offence under section 185 Motor Vehicle Act 1988.
They stated, "Drink driving has proved to be one of the major causes of traffic crashes."
According to the law, the punishment for a drink driving is liable up to an imprisonment for six months and a fine of Rs 2,000 or both.
