Ludhiana, April 1 -- Around 5,400 pending challans, including 400 e-challans, in Ludhiana are at risk of being blacklisted as vehicle owners fail to clear their dues within the stipulated 90-day period. The growing backlog of unpaid challans has prompted authorities to enforce stricter compliance with traffic regulations, officials familiar with the matter said.

Notably, the state transport commissioner has issued a directive on March 21 stating that if vehicle owners do not settle their fines within the deadline, their vehicles will be blacklisted in the system, leading to severe consequences, including restrictions on sale, registration renewal, and insurance claims, officials said.

According to RTO officials, once a vehicle is blackl...