Nagpur: In a major crackdown on rash, drunk and drugged driving, Nagpur City Police on Thursday launched a dedicated drug testing initiative under Operation U-Turn, announcing that advanced drug testing of motorists will begin from May 1, 2026.
The initiative was launched at the Commissioner of Police Office, where SaveLIFE Foundation, with support from Mercedes-Benz India Limited, formally handed over 2 drug testing kits and 10 breath analysers to Nagpur City Police to strengthen road safety enforcement on the Samruddhi Mahamarg and within city limits.
The equipment was inaugurated in the presence of Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal and SaveLIFE Foundation Founder Piyush Tewari. Joint Commissioner of Police Navin Reddy, senior traffic officials and police personnel were also present during the ceremony.
Drug Testing to Start from May 1 in Nagpur
Police officials said the department will begin using the advanced drug testing machines from May 1 to detect motorists driving under the influence of narcotic substances. The move is aimed at preventing dangerous driving and reducing fatal road crashes caused by intoxicated motorists.
Officials said anyone found driving after consuming illicit drugs will face strict legal action under relevant provisions of the:
- Motor Vehicles Act
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
Senior officers said the new system would significantly help reduce reckless driving incidents and improve road safety in Nagpur.
Key Part of Operation U-Turn
The drug testing campaign has been introduced as a major component of Operation U-Turn, Nagpur Police’s focused initiative to curb rash driving, traffic violations and road accidents across the city.
The addition of on-the-spot drug screening is expected to act as a strong deterrent against motorists driving under the influence of banned substances.
25 Traffic Police Officers Receive Training
Following the handover, 25 officers of Nagpur Traffic Police were given practical training in the use, calibration and field protocols of both the drug testing kits and breath analysers.
The trained officers will be deployed during enforcement drives on the Samruddhi Mahamarg as well as key traffic corridors in Nagpur city.
Part of Zero Fatality Corridor Programme
The initiative is part of SaveLIFE Foundation’s Zero Fatality Corridor (ZFC) Programme, being implemented on the 701-km Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg connecting Nagpur to Mumbai.
Supported by Mercedes-Benz India under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the project focuses on the four pillars of road safety — engineering, education, enforcement and emergency care.
Commissioner Ravinder Singal Welcomes Initiative
Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal said effective enforcement remains one of the strongest pillars of road safety and impaired driving endangers all road users.
He said the new drug testing kits and breath analysers would significantly enhance the capability of Nagpur Police to detect offenders and make roads safer for commuters.
SaveLIFE Foundation on Road Safety
SaveLIFE Foundation Founder Piyush Tewari said every road death is preventable and substance-impaired driving remains one of the most avoidable causes of fatal crashes.
He said the partnership with Nagpur Police and Mercedes-Benz India demonstrates how technology, training and strict enforcement can save lives and move toward zero fatalities on the Samruddhi Mahamarg.
