Bareilly: A road safety awareness campaign for Kanwar pilgrims was launched in Bareilly on Saturday under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Shambhu Kumar. The initiative was organised by the Central U.P. Chambers of Commerce & Industries in front of Bareilly Club to promote safe travel practices among pilgrims undertaking the Kanwar Yatra on motorcycles.
During the programme, helmets were distributed to around 100 Kanwar pilgrims who were travelling without protective headgear. The pilgrims were encouraged to wear helmets and follow traffic rules to ensure a safe journey. Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Shambhu Kumar said that while the faith and devotion of Kanwar pilgrims were important, their safety remained a top priority.
He stressed that every person travelling on a two-wheeler must wear a helmet, describing it not merely as a means of complying with traffic regulations but as an essential safety device capable of saving lives in the event of an accident. He urged pilgrims to observe speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of intoxicants, refrain from using mobile phones while riding and exercise patience and caution throughout the journey.
The Regional Transport Officer, Bareilly, also appealed to the pilgrims to follow the message of “Safe Journey, Safe Life” and remain mindful of the safety of fellow road users and other devotees. The Traffic Police and Transport Department are continuing safety and traffic-management measures along Kanwar routes to ensure smooth movement.
Assistant Regional Transport Officer Vaibhav Soti, PTO Ramesh Prajapati, AKC Hyundai representatives Alpit Agrawal, Dinesh Malik and Jagdish Malik, along with other prominent citizens, attended the programme. Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Mohammad Akmal Khan and Regional Transport Officer, Bareilly, Pankaj Singh were present as special guests.
Institution president Rajiv Singhal, secretary Sharad Agrawal and other dignitaries also attended. The campaign aimed to reinforce awareness about mandatory helmet use, compliance with traffic rules and responsible road behaviour among Kanwar pilgrims. Organisers and officials emphasised that road safety is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but a collective responsibility shared by every road user.
Reported from Bareilly by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
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