- Gujarat High Court questioned the state on October 9 over traffic and helmet enforcement in Ahmedabad
- Court said two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable in dumper accidents, which often prove fatal
- Court said the daytime dumper ban must be enforced, not just exist on paper
- Government reported recruiting 650 traffic personnel and plans to train them
- Ahmedabad Traffic Police records show 131 deaths in dumper collisions from 2021 to July 2026
The Gujarat High Court on October 9 questioned the state government over traffic congestion and helmet enforcement in Ahmedabad. The hearing covered a suo motu petition on traffic problems and a proposed flyover at Panjrapole crossroads.
Dumpers and two-wheelers at risk
The court said two-wheeler riders are especially vulnerable in accidents involving dumpers, which frequently prove fatal. It observed that people are dying in dumper and two-wheeler collisions roughly every second day. Helmet-less riders are the most affected.
The court also raised the daytime movement of dumpers. It said the ban must be enforced in practice, not merely exist on paper. Concerns were also raised about dumpers operating without visible number plates.
Mobile phones and helmets
The court flagged people using mobile phones while riding and driving, and said such practices must be stopped. It also said judges visiting Gujarat from other states were surprised by the number of riders without helmets.
Government’s response
State chief government pleader G.H. Virk presented the actions taken by the state and details of traffic management before the court. The government reported recruiting 650 traffic personnel and plans to train them in traffic management.
Background
The matter began in earlier proceedings. In 2024, the court directed authorities to enforce the helmet rule for two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers in Ahmedabad within 15 days, while hearing a PIL about the Panjrapole flyover.
Ahmedabad Traffic Police records show dumpers were involved in 241 collisions from 2021 to July 2026. These resulted in 131 deaths, 82 severe injuries and 28 minor injuries.
