Pune: The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has initiated strict action against government employees in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and nearby rural areas for not wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers.

So far, 205 employees have been penalized. Beginning Monday, December 2, the drive will extend to citizens arriving at government offices on two-wheelers without helmets.

The enforcement follows a directive issued during a meeting chaired by Abhay Sapre, Chairman of the Road Safety Committee established by the Supreme Court.

The meeting, attended by officials from the RTO, police, and district administration, reviewed accident data from the city and district. The analysis revealed that two-wheeler riders accounted for the majority of road fatalities.

Despite mandatory helmet laws, enforcement by the police was found lacking, prompting the Additional Director General of Police (Traffic) to order stricter implementation. District Collector Dr. Divase directed that helmet compliance begin with administrative offices.

The directive mandates that government officials, employees, and citizens visiting offices such as the District Collectorate, Divisional Commissioner’s Office, Municipal Corporations, Zilla Parishads, Nagar Panchayats, and Gram Panchayats must wear helmets.

RTO Deputy Regional Transport Officer stated that the drive will be expanded further to include all government offices in Pune and its outskirts. The campaign aims to ensure strict adherence to helmet regulations for improved road safety.