Daijiworld Media Network – Bhopal

Bhopal, Jul 31: Starting Thursday, August 1, two-wheeler riders in Madhya Pradesh’s Bhopal and Indore will be denied fuel at petrol and CNG pumps if they are not wearing ISI-marked helmets. The tough directive, aimed at curbing road accident fatalities, has been issued by Bhopal Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh and Indore Collector Ashish Singh.

The order, valid till September 29, comes amid a growing concern over increasing road accidents involving two-wheelers. Petrol pumps have been instructed to strictly deny fuel to helmetless riders. Violators may also face legal action under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code.

Bhopal, with 192 fuel stations consuming over 21 lac litres of fuel daily (more than half of it petrol), is expected to see a major shift in enforcement. The move invokes Section 129 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates helmets for both drivers and pillion riders.

Authorities say despite repeated advisories from both state and central governments, helmet compliance remains low. This initiative is seen as a necessary push toward instilling discipline and saving lives on the road.

Exceptions will only be made in cases of medical emergencies or critical situations. The order supplements existing traffic safety rules and does not override any pre-existing regulations.

Meanwhile, Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava has recommended extending the rule to government offices, suggesting that visitors without helmets be denied entry—arguing this would further reinforce the culture of helmet use.

However, the Petrol Dealers Association has raised concerns about execution challenges. “Fuel station staff might face conflicts with customers. It’s unclear what protection or legal recourse pump operators will have in such cases,” said a representative.

Despite the concerns, authorities remain firm on implementing the measure, emphasizing that saving lives must take priority over inconvenience.