Bhopal's Helmet Hustle! Commuters Exchange Headgear Outside Petrol Pumps After Collector’s ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ Directive

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Chaos erupted outside petrol pumps across Bhopal on Friday after Collector’s ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ Directive. But, there's always a space for 'Jugaad' on the streets of Bhopal. Bike riders were seen borrowing headgears or renting it out, just to get their tanks filled.

On August 1, Bhopal's collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh issued a directive of ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ aiming to enhance road safety in the city. Under this directive, petrol pump operators have been instructed to deny fuel to two-wheeler riders who arrive without a helmet.

Following this, chaos erupted with exchanges of helmet at several petrol pumps in the city. At multiple locations, people were seen borrowing helmets from fellow riders or swapping headgear just before reaching the fuel dispenser.

In a bizzare incident, two delivery executive on their motorbike can be seen sharing a same helmet just to fuel-up.

In another incident, people were seen renting out helmets for ₹10-₹20 in front of petrol pumps just to borrow their helmet for a few minutes.

According to district administration orders, the new rule will remain in force until September 29, 2025, and violators may face action under IPC Section 223.