As Makar Sankranti celebrations gather momentum across Uttar Pradesh, (Lucknow) the state’s urban transport authorities have issued a public safety advisory highlighting the often-overlooked risks that festive activities pose to critical infrastructure. The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has cautioned residents against flying kites near elevated and at-grade Metro corridors, citing safety concerns for both citizens and the city’s mass transit system.
The advisory is particularly relevant for Lucknow, where the Metro’s North–South corridor runs through densely populated neighbourhoods. Urban transport officials say kite flying close to tracks and overhead equipment can lead to accidents, power disruptions and damage to sensitive systems that support daily commuter movement. With Metro services forming the backbone of low-emission mobility in the city, even brief interruptions can ripple across the urban economy. According to transport safety experts, the concern centres on the use of metal-coated or synthetic kite strings, commonly known as Chinese manjha. These materials are capable of conducting electricity if they come into contact with overhead traction wires that power Metro trains. Such contact can result in sudden tripping of electrical systems, service halts or serious injury to individuals handling the strings.
From an urban resilience perspective, festival-related advisories underscore the challenges of managing cultural traditions within rapidly densifying cities. As Lucknow expands vertically and transport corridors cut through residential areas, everyday leisure activities increasingly intersect with high-voltage infrastructure. Urban planners note that public awareness is as critical as engineering safeguards in reducing avoidable risks. The Metro authority has urged residents to celebrate the festival in open grounds and designated spaces away from transit alignments. Officials say this approach balances cultural expression with civic responsibility, ensuring that public transport remains safe and reliable during peak festive travel periods. While no major disruptions have been reported so far this season, past incidents in Indian cities have shown how kite strings can immobilise trains or damage pantographs and signalling equipment.
Beyond immediate safety, the advisory also reflects broader sustainability goals. Metro systems are central to reducing vehicular emissions and congestion in growing cities like Lucknow. Preventing avoidable service disruptions helps maintain public confidence in mass transit, which is essential for long-term modal shift away from private vehicles. Urban governance specialists point out that such advisories should ideally be paired with community-level engagement, including coordination with local bodies, resident welfare associations and schools. Clear signage near Metro corridors and enforcement against hazardous kite materials could further strengthen preventive efforts.
As festive activities continue, authorities will monitor conditions along key stretches of the network. The episode highlights how small behavioural changes can play a significant role in protecting shared urban assets—ensuring that celebrations remain joyful without compromising safety, sustainability or the smooth functioning of essential city infrastructure.
