TALK OF THE TOWN: People buying helmets in Rajahmundry. Photo: S. Rambabu

Rajahmundry: The Transport Minister's announcement, making helmet compulsory from Thursday in all 14 municipal corporations in the State has seen an increase in helmet sales in Kakinada and Rajahmundry.

The number of roadside helmet vendors has increased in last three days in Rajahmundry and people started buying helmets from these vendors rather than going to shops on the main road. People are getting helmets from roadside vendors for a maximum of Rs.300, whereas the same is costing them Rs.500 to Rs.700 in shops. But, there is a difference in quality. "We don't know how far the rule is going to be implemented in semi-urban areas like Rajahmundry and Kakinada. But, for our safety we are purchasing the same," said K. Nayar, working in ONGC. Another customer, who bought helmet from a roadside vendor near Central Jail, said, "Rajahmundry is known for traffic violations. Traffic police in this town are mere spectators. How can they insist on helmet as there are no rules".

As per the Road Transport officials the number of two-wheelers in Rajahmundry limits, as of today is 1.37 lakhs and 70,000 vehicles in Kakinada. According to Y. Jayakumar Reddy, Deputy Transport Commissioner, as per their information 80 per cent of two-wheeler owners have not purchased helmets in the district and they are expecting people to purchase the same within one month. Answering a question, he said that a fine of Rs.100 would be imposed for not wearing helmet from Thursday.

Quality norm

When asked about availability and quality of helmets, he said for new vehicles, they made it mandatory to include helmet cost in their invoice price of the vehicle and for vehicles already registered, they would take the assistance of wholesale helmet dealers in getting more number of helmets to the two Corporations.

However, he made it clear that one should wear quality helmet with ISI mark. The seat belt rule for cars also would come into effect on Thursday and cars purchased after 2002 should have that facility.

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