Punjab government to install safety rods on bikes ahead of basant festival

The Punjab government has launched a citywide “Safe Basant” campaign, launching large-scale safety measures ahead of the three-day Basant festival. The festival is scheduled from February 6 to 8.

Commissioner Maryam Khan, capital city police officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana, and chief traffic officer Dr. Athar Waheed inaugurated the drive at Azadi Chowk. At the drive, the road safety camps began installing free safety rods on motorcycles to protect riders from mis haps by kite strings.

Authorities have made it mandatory for all motorcycles to have safety rods installed before they are allowed to operate on Lahore’s roads during the Basant festival. Camps have been set up at nearly 100 locations to fit about 50,000–60,000 bikes daily.

Along with safety measures for bikers, the Punjab Higher Education Department has directed all public sector universities and colleges in Lahore to place their buses and drivers at the disposal of the district administration for free public transport during the festivities.

Commissioner Maryam Khan ssid that free ride services will be offered across the city and no motorcycle without a safety rod will be permitted on roads during Basant. Kite flying will be restricted to within Lahore district only on the official dates, and will not be allowed before that.

Sale and manufacturing of kite materials will be tightly regulated, permitted only within defined dates and by registered sellers with valid NOCs.

CCPO Kamyana warned of strict legal action against anyone violating Basant safety laws, including aerial firing and non-compliance with regulations.