In a strong push to enforce the ongoing ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ campaign, petrol pumps across Bhopal have erected barricades at their entry points, strictly stopping without helmet two-wheeler riders from entering the premises. The move has led to long queues and chaotic scenes outside fuel stations, with many riders waiting on roadsides to borrow helmets from others just to refuel. With entry strictly regulated, pump staff have been instructed to turn away anyone not wearing a helmet before even approaching the fuel counter.

 

The intensified action comes in the wake of a major crackdown by the district administration on Thursday. Two prominent petrol pumps, M/s Mahadev Fuels and M/s SS Energy, both situated on Narmadapuram Road, were sealed after being found serving petrol to without helmet riders, in direct violation of the Collector’s orders.

 

The action was taken based on CCTV footage reviewed by the Food and Civil Supplies Department, led by District Supply Controller Chandrabhan Singh Jadon. This enforcement sent shockwaves among other petrol pump owners, prompting them to take preventive measures. Most pumps have since decided to implement physical barricading at entrances to avoid any further violations. “We were already verbally denying petrol to riders without helmets,” said one fuel station operator. “But despite our efforts, some managed to sneak in. Later, they appeared in CCTV footage, and action was taken against us.

 

We had no option left but to control entry strictly with barricades.” Petrol pump operators acknowledge the inconvenience being caused to customers but emphasise they are following Government orders. “Yes, this will affect sales and might frustrate customers, but we don’t want our petrol pump to be sealed. The administration’s direction is clear, and we must comply,” said a manager at a pump near Bairasia Road. Outside these barricaded fuel stations, the scene has become increasingly dramatic.

 

At Reliance Petrol Pump on Bairasia Road, a man was seen pleading with fellow commuters to lend him a helmet. He explained that he was rushing to take his wife for a medical appointment with an ENT specialist. Similar incidents of helmet borrowing and makeshift sharing arrangements were observed across multiple pumps. The ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ order was issued by District Collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh and came into effect on August 1, continuing until September 29, unless extended. The initiative aims to promote road safety and reduce fatalities caused by head injuries in two-wheeler accidents. While the strict enforcement has brought some discomfort and delays, officials believe the campaign is already making an impact. Helmet usage has noticeably increased, and compliance is growing with each passing day. Authorities remain firm in their stand, the inconvenience is temporary, but the lives it could save are invaluable.