Unique road safety drive on Airport Road: Yamraj warns reckless motorists

Bengaluru : In an unusual yet impactful initiative, characters of Yamraj and Chitragupta took to Bengaluru’s busy Airport Road on Saturday to spread awareness about road safety and traffic discipline.

The Airport Road stretch near Kempegowda International Airport is one of the most congested routes in the city, witnessing heavy traffic throughout the day. Frequent accidents on this road have claimed many lives over the years, but violations continue unabated.

To send out a strong message, traffic authorities organized a special awareness program near the Devanahalli toll plaza. Instead of regular police checks, commuters were surprised to see Yamraj and Chitragupta stopping vehicles and educating people about the consequences of careless driving.

The campaign aimed to reach out to motorists who often ignore safety norms such as wearing helmets, fastening seat belts and maintaining speed limits. Many two-wheeler riders were found using cheap and unsafe helmets just to escape police fines. Yamraj reminded them that such shortcuts could cost them their lives.

“I don’t issue fines like the police. I take people away permanently,” said the Yamraj character while interacting with riders, creating both humor and fear among the public.

According to traffic department records, the 25-km stretch from Yelahanka to Devanahalli has turned into a major accident-prone zone. In 2025 alone, more than 50 people died in road accidents on this corridor, while hundreds sustained severe injuries.

Officials say overspeeding, rash driving and lack of safety measures are the main reasons behind these tragedies. Despite installation of AI cameras and strict monitoring, violations continue to occur.

During the drive, pamphlets on traffic rules were distributed, and motorists were urged to use ISI-standard helmets and seat belts. Car drivers were advised not to use mobile phones while driving and to follow lane discipline.

The initiative received positive response from the public, with many appreciating the creative approach. Traffic police believe such awareness programs will gradually bring behavioral change among commuters.

With vehicle numbers increasing every year on Airport Road, authorities hope that stricter enforcement combined with public awareness will help reduce accidents and save lives in the coming days.