Petrol pumps in Srinagar enforce “No Helmet, No Petrol” policy following tragic accident

Srinagar, Nov 21: Following a tragic road accident near Tengpora Bypass, Srinagar, last week that claimed the lives of two young boys and critically injured another, the Motor Vehicle Department and Traffic Police have intensified their crackdown on traffic violators in the region.
In response to the accident on November 14, which highlighted issues of minor driving and road safety, several petrol pumps in Srinagar have introduced a “No Helmet, No Petrol” policy. Many fueling stations have put up posters stating, “No petrol for minors and no petrol without helmets.” This initiative has been widely welcomed by locals and authorities alike.
A video circulating on social media shows a prominent fueling station near Bypass Srinagar denying petrol to those not adhering to these rules. The move is aimed at discouraging underage driving and promoting helmet use to ensure road safety.
Residents in Srinagar have praised the petrol pump owners for taking proactive steps toward enforcing traffic rules. “This is a much-needed initiative, and we appreciate their efforts to prioritize safety over business,” said a local.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir, Syed Shah Nawaz Bukhari, commended the initiative and urged other petrol pump owners across the Valley to adopt similar measures. “This is a significant step to ensure the safety of our youth. Petrol pumps should not provide fuel to those without helmets, proper documents, or to minors,” he stated.
He also appealed to parents to refrain from giving vehicles to their underage children and called upon religious leaders (Ulema) to address these issues during sermons to raise community awareness.
The traffic police have also launched a WhatsApp number to report traffic violations, enabling citizens to play a role in enhancing road safety.
RTO Bukhari emphasized, “We have been actively penalizing traffic violators over the years, but community involvement is crucial. The safety of our youth should always be the top priority.”
The accident at Tengpora, which triggered the debate on minor driving and traffic discipline, has become a wake-up call for residents to take collective action in preventing further tragedies on the roads.
Meanwhile in a significant move aimed at enhancing public safety, local authorities in South Kashmir’s Shopian District issued an order imposing strict regulations on the sale of petrol and diesel to prevent accidents involving minors. The decision comes in light of an alarming rise in incidents involving minors in traffic-prone areas.
According to an order In the Interest of Public Safety and in order to prevent the increasing incidents of accidents involving minors in various public areas, particularly in and around trafic-prone zones.
“It is hereby ordered that the following measures shall be implemented immediately to ensure the safety of minors and to prevent further accidents.
Complete Ban on Sale of Petrol and Diesel to Minors: The sale of petrol and diesel is hereby prohibited to all individuals who are minors.
Under the age of 18 years No Sale to Persons Without a Valid Driving License:- The sale of petrol and diesel shall only be permitted to individuals who present a valid driving license as a proof.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: Any fuel station found violating this order by selling petrol or diesel to minors or individuals without a valid driving license will face strict legal action, including but not limited to Suspension or revocation of the license to operate the fuel station.
Fines as prescribed under relevant laws. Legal action as per the provisions of the law.”
This order is effective immediately and must be followed by all relevant parties, including. fuel station operators, distributors. Failure to comply with the provisions of this order, shall result in penalties as per the relevant legal framework.