A helmet instead of a fine

metro india news  I hyderabad

In a shift from penalties to positive policing, the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate has rolled out a novel “Helmet Bank” initiative aimed at protecting two-wheeler riders — not punishing them.

Launched on Monday across key traffic junctions in the Malkajgiri Zone, the initiative allows riders caught without helmets to borrow one free of cost on the spot. Instead of issuing an immediate challan, traffic personnel collect basic details from the rider, who must return the borrowed helmet within 24 hours after purchasing a new one.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-I, Malkajgiri) K Rahul Reddy said the idea is simple: ensure immediate compliance while encouraging long-term behavioural change.

“The initiative is meant to create a positive thought among bikers to use helmets as a safety measure, not out of fear of getting a traffic challan,” he said. “We want responsible riding to come from awareness, not anxiety.”

Officials say the move aims to prevent head injuries, save lives, and build public trust through constructive engagement rather than purely punitive action. It also strengthens the ongoing “Arrive Alive” road safety campaign spearheaded by the Telangana Police, which stresses that every ride — no matter how short — requires a helmet.

With this initiative, Malkajgiri Traffic Police are hoping to spark a culture shift: from compliance driven by fines to safety driven by responsibility.

Authorities have appealed to all two-wheeler riders to wear helmets consistently and support the mission of safer roads.