The Gujarat High Court has directed the state government to enforce restrictions on daytime dumper movement in Ahmedabad and ensure compliance with helmet laws, expressing concern over fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles and two-wheeler riders. The court also flagged the use of mobile phones while driving as a contributor to road accidents.
The observations were made during a hearing in a suo motu public interest litigation concerning Ahmedabad’s road infrastructure, accident reduction and traffic regulation. Acting Chief Justice Manas Ranjan Pathak raised concerns about dumpers travelling recklessly through the city during the day and asked the government to implement the existing restriction on their movement.
The court said heavy dumpers continue to operate on Ahmedabad roads during daytime hours despite the safety risks. It called for effective and result-oriented enforcement aimed at protecting citizens’ lives, according to the report placed before the court.
Helmet compliance was another focus of the hearing. The court observed that many riders in Ahmedabad do not wear helmets and that even the requirement for pillion riders is not being followed. It also noted that riders themselves frequently travel without helmets. The acting Chief Justice referred to questions reportedly raised by judges visiting Gujarat from other states about whether helmet rules were being enforced in the state.
The court additionally criticised the use of mobile phones while vehicles are moving. It referred to people speaking on phones, making video calls and watching videos while driving, questioning how drivers could maintain attention on the road under such conditions. The observation links road safety not only to enforcement against heavy vehicles but also to dangerous driving behaviour among motorists.
The hearing also included details previously submitted by the state government on police recruitment-related action. These details included information on increasing the number of Traffic Brigade personnel, or TRB personnel, in the traffic police system. The report did not provide a specific number of additional personnel or a detailed implementation schedule.
The proceedings come as the court examines broader questions concerning road conditions, traffic management and preventable deaths in Ahmedabad. The court’s directions place responsibility on the state government to enforce daytime dumper restrictions and helmet requirements, while the next hearing will indicate what action has been taken.
The Gujarat High Court has scheduled the next hearing after two weeks. The government is expected to place further information before the court on enforcement measures and related traffic-management action.
