Lahore Traffic Police to Install Safety Rods on 2.3 Million Bikes Ahead of Basant

The Lahore Traffic Police have unveiled a comprehensive traffic and safety strategy for the upcoming Basant festival, which includes the provision of safety rods to an estimated 2.3 million motorcyclists in the city. Chief Traffic Officer Abdul Rahim Shirazi revealed that the department aims to equip around 80 percent of the city's motorcyclists with these safety rods before the festival kicks off.

During the previous Basant celebration, approximately 1 million bikers were provided with protective rods. The implementation of this plan involves setting up 100 camps at strategic locations throughout the city to facilitate the installation process. A public awareness campaign will commence on November 1, 2026, with the installation of the safety rods beginning on January 1, 2027.

The traffic plan also introduces stricter safety requirements for motorcyclists. In instances where two riders are present, both individuals will be mandated to wear helmets. Furthermore, motorcycles and Qingqi rickshaws will be prohibited from entering designated red zones during the festival. Additionally, motorcyclists who fail to possess safety rods will be barred from entering Lahore via the city's entry and exit points.

CTO Shirazi clarified that the Basant safety plan will be executed in three distinct phases. The initial phase will concentrate on raising public awareness, followed by the execution of the plan in the second phase and the enforcement of safety measures in the final phase.