Basant 2026: Installation of safety rods on bikes begins in Lahore

Lahore: In a proactive move to ensure public safety during Basant 2026, the Lahore district administration has kicked off a citywide campaign to install safety rods on motorcycles, protecting riders from dangerous kite strings.

The initiative was inaugurated at Azadi Chowk by Commissioner Maryam Khan, Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana, and Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Dr. Athar Waheed. A dedicated road safety camp on Yadgar Chowk is now offering free installation of safety rods on motorcycles, with officials closely monitoring the process.

Commissioner Khan emphasized that no motorcycle would be allowed on Lahore roads without a safety rod during the three-day ‘Safe Basant’ celebration from February 6 to 8.

Read: Bikes without safety rods barred from entering Lahore during Basant days

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has directed all public sector universities and colleges in Lahore to provide buses, along with drivers, to facilitate free public transport during the festivities. This is part of a larger ‘Mehfooz Basant’ initiative aimed at ensuring safe, regulated celebrations.

The authorities also clarified that kite flying is only permitted from February 6 onward, and kite manufacturing, sale, and trade will be restricted to registered operators within Lahore district, all of whom must have valid NOCs. Online registration is being streamlined through the “e-Biz” app.

CCPO warned that strict action will be taken against any violations, including aerial firing or failure to comply with safety rules. Dr. Athar Waheed added that over 100 road safety camps have been established, aiming to install more than one million safety rods across the city, safeguarding thousands of riders daily.

Officials confirmed that all relevant departments, including the police, traffic police, and district administration, will work together to ensure that Basant 2026 is celebrated safely, peacefully, and within the law.