By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Despite the alarming condition of roads, unregulated traffic and the rising number of road accidents in Madhya Pradesh, the BJP government has shifted focus from public safety to heavy fine collection. In Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain, wearing a helmet has been made compulsory even for pillion riders on two-wheelers. Children above the age of four will also be fined ₹300 if found without helmets. Although this provision already exists in the Motor Vehicles Act, no such seriousness has ever been shown towards repairing damaged roads.
The priorities of the government raise concern. Over ₹7,000 crore has been spent on Bhopal Smart City, yet roads remain riddled with potholes. More than 300 accident-prone black spots across the state await corrective action. Traffic management has largely collapsed, and during the monsoon, roads resemble ponds and trenches, leading to thousands of deaths every year.
During today’s enforcement drive in Bhopal, distressing incidents were witnessed, including fines being imposed on a father rushing to see his child admitted in the ICU.
Congress spokesperson Praveen Dholpure has questioned whether fines alone can repair roads, improve traffic systems, or prevent deaths. He has demanded an immediate action plan for road and traffic reforms with humane enforcement.
