Bengaluru records 10,000 drink-driving cases in early 2025, up from 3,000 cases during last year

Bengaluru has witnessed an alarming rise in drink-driving cases in the first quarter of 2025, with figures tripling compared to the same period last year. Data from the Bangalore Traffic Police (BTP) reveals that nearly 10,000 drink-driving offences were recorded between January and March this year, a significant jump from just over 3,000 during the same months in 2024.

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January and March saw 3,500 cases each, while February registered 2,900 incidents. In contrast, the same months last year saw a total of just 3,100 cases—1,100 in January and February combined, and 900 in March.

Officials attribute the surge to expanded enforcement capabilities. Sub-inspectors now have the authority to conduct drink-driving checks and issue violations, a power previously reserved for inspectors alone. This move has enabled more frequent checks across stations, contributing to the spike in reported cases.

Additionally, the BTP has increased the number of enforcement days from three to four per week, now operating from Thursday through Sunday. This change aims to curb the growing threat of intoxicated driving, which has often been linked to fatal accidents.

While the current enforcement strategy has shown results, experts argue that daily checks are necessary to ensure road safety. However, BTP maintains that any decision to expand enforcement further rests with higher authorities, and for now, the existing four-day monitoring schedule will continue.