Daijiworld Media Network - Bhopal

Bhopal, Jul 30: Starting August 1, two-wheeler riders in Indore without helmets will face a double penalty — not only will they be fined heavily, but they will also be denied fuel at all petrol pumps across the city.

The Indore district administration has issued a strict directive mandating petrol pump operators to refuse fuel to anyone not wearing a helmet. The move aligns with Supreme Court guidelines aimed at reducing road fatalities and improving traffic discipline.

District Collector Ashish Singh announced the campaign — “No Helmet, No Petrol” — which formally began on July 30 and will be fully enforced starting August 1. “This is not just about penalties — it’s about saving lives,” Singh said in a video message.

He also confirmed that seat belts have been made compulsory for car drivers, and a broader public awareness campaign will run alongside enforcement actions.

“Over-speeding, drunk driving, and failure to wear helmets are the leading causes of road deaths. A helmet significantly cuts the risk of serious injury in an accident. This rule is for the safety of citizens,” Singh emphasized.

Police will assist in implementation, and violators will be penalized under existing traffic laws. Major intersections will be closely monitored, and traffic awareness drives will be intensified.

The directive follows a high-level review by Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre, Chairman of the Supreme Court’s Road Safety Committee, who visited Indore earlier this week. Justice Sapre praised Indore’s cleanliness model and said the city can similarly become a national example for road safety.

He reviewed five years of accident data, progress on improving accident-prone "black spots," and efforts in public awareness and enforcement. Stressing the urgent need for a cultural shift, Sapre said, “Most road fatalities occur because of not wearing helmets or seat belts, or driving under the influence. Enforcement must be strict and consistent.”

He called for swift action against habitual traffic offenders and drunk drivers, insisting that changing behavior requires both strong laws and widespread awareness.

Indore’s administration now hopes this new rule will significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities, reinforcing the city’s image as not only India’s cleanest, but also one of its safest.