The Andhra Pradesh transport department launched a major crackdown on private bus operators during the recent Sankranti festival season. Officials registered a total of 1,896 cases against these operators for various violations.
Special Drive Targets Festive Travel
Transport authorities conducted a special enforcement drive across most districts in the state. This operation specifically targeted private bus operators who were accused of exploiting passengers. Many people were traveling home for the Sankranti celebrations or returning to their workplaces after the festival.
Breakdown of Registered Cases
Transport Commissioner Manish Kumar Sinha provided detailed figures about the cases. Authorities booked 548 cases specifically for overcharging passengers. Another 1,348 cases involved various other violations. These included operating buses without valid tax payments and lacking proper permits.
The department imposed substantial fines on all violators. Overall penalties amounted to ₹1.27 crore during this enforcement period.
Dynamic Pricing and Safety Concerns
Officials observed several troubling practices among private operators. Many were using dynamic pricing strategies during the busy festival period. On popular routes, they charged passengers 40–60% more than standard fares.
Inspectors verified these excessive charges by checking passenger tickets directly. They registered cases immediately against operators found violating fare regulations.
The safety inspections revealed additional serious concerns. Many buses lacked essential emergency equipment. Officials found missing emergency hammers and absent first-aid kits. Some vehicles had dazzling lights that could impair driver vision. Others improperly carried commercial goods in luggage compartments.
Passenger Complaints and Response
Private operators displayed the Transport Department helpline number on their buses throughout the festive season. This allowed passengers to report problems directly. Travelers from Bengaluru, Secunderabad, Vijayawada, and Chennai contacted authorities about overcharging issues.
Department teams monitored ticket prices on online booking platforms. They intervened promptly whenever they received passenger complaints. This immediate response helped resolve many issues quickly.
District-Wise Violation Data
Official data reveals which districts recorded the highest number of cases. Nellore district topped the list with 87 cases registered for fleecing passengers. Konaseema district followed with 78 cases. West Godavari recorded 65 cases. Visakhapatnam (Vizag) had 54 cases. Annamayya district completed the top five with 41 cases.
The transport department's special drive focused on several key travel routes. Major corridors like Secunderabad–Vizag, Secunderabad–Tirupati, Bengaluru–Amalapuram, Chennai–Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada–Srikakulam received particular attention from inspectors.
