In Gujarat, the kite festival (Uttarayan 2025) holds immense cultural significance and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. However, during this festive period, kite strings often pose life-threatening risks to two-wheeler riders, especially those passing through flyover bridges. To address this safety concern, Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot and Surat Municipal Corporation have decided to impose a complete ban on two-wheelers on flyover bridges for two days January 14 and 15, aligning with Uttarayan and Vasi Uttarayan continuing its annual tradition of ensuring public safety during the festival.
This proactive measure aims to prevent injuries and fatalities caused by “killer manja”, the abrasive kite strings notorious for cutting through unprotected skin and even causing fatal throat injuries. While Uttarayan celebrates the joy of kite flying, the festivities can turn tragic if safety precautions are not taken seriously.
Exceptions of Ban on Uttarayan
To reduce risks associated with manja while maintaining flexibility, the policy allows exemptions for two-wheelers equipped with safety guards, cars and other vehicles will be allowed to pass through the bridge and other Two-wheeler riders will be able to commute below the flyovers and bridges.
Police Vigilance and Public Awareness
The Surat City Police is ramping up efforts to ensure public safety during the festivities. Special awareness campaigns are being organized to highlight the dangers of manja and promote the use of safety guards. Police teams will actively patrol roads and flyovers to enforce the two-wheeler ban and crack down on the use of illegal kite strings.
The two-wheeler ban, combined with increased vigilance and public awareness, is a crucial step towards making this Uttarayan safer and more enjoyable for everyone in Surat.
Also read, Surat’s Biggest Kite Dedicated to late Ratan Tata for Kite Festival 2025
For the latest news, stories, blogs and facts Follow Us!
Instagram: @suratupdatesofficial
Facebook: Suratupdatesofficial
X: suratupdates
Youtube: @suratupdatesofficial
