The Gujarat High Court has mandated that within 15 days, all two-wheeler drivers and pillion riders in Ahmedabad must wear helmets, emphasizing the urgency of enhancing road safety in the city. The directive issued by a division bench, including Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi, also addresses broader traffic management issues, underscoring the need for a comprehensive approach to reduce road mishaps.
This ruling came while the court was reviewing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the construction of a new flyover by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), which the petitioner argued could exacerbate traffic congestion and accidents, as well as diminish the city’s green spaces. The High Court not only focused on the flyover issue but also expanded the PIL to include the management of vehicular movement across Gujarat’s largest city and the staffing needs of the traffic police.
In addition to helmet enforcement, the court has instructed city authorities to clearly mark areas with high accident rates and take measures to prevent driving on the wrong side of the road. These areas should be identified through detailed surveys, and visible signage should be installed to warn and guide motorists.
Chief Justice Agarwal pointed out the need for specific attention to traffic congestion at certain times and places, particularly on routes like the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar National Highway, which cuts through the city. She highlighted the importance of a systematic study and strategic planning in traffic management to prepare for future challenges.
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Moreover, the court’s concerns extend to the structural aspects of road safety, including the proper design and maintenance of entry and exit points on national highways and within city limits, especially in relation to ongoing infrastructure projects like road and flyover construction.
