The Andhra Pradesh transport department has intensified its crackdown on errant private bus operators across the state. Since the launch of the dedicated Command Control Centre on April 1 at the transport department headquarters in Vijayawada, authorities have seized a total of 20 private travel buses found to be overspeeding by tampering with speed locks.
Strict Enforcement Against Speed Violations
The transport department has begun strict enforcement measures against private travel buses, tightening the noose around operators who violate speed limits. According to information provided by officials, authorities are booking speed violation cases against buses exceeding the 80 km/h speed limit. Additionally, buses found traveling at dangerous speeds over 100 km/h are being seized immediately.
Real-Time Monitoring from Command Control Centre
Transport department officials revealed that nearly 2,000 private travel buses operate daily from the state, with around 1,600 already fitted with GPS tracking systems. These vehicles are being monitored in real time from the command control centre in Vijayawada, where regional transport office officials keep a close watch on speed violations. The centre enables continuous surveillance to detect any breach of speed norms.
Tampering with Speed Limiters Poses Threat
As per Rule 118 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, buses are not permitted to exceed 80 km/h. However, officials found that some operators tampered with speed-limiting devices to push speeds up to 100-110 km/h, posing a serious threat to passenger safety. RTO Sunil, who oversees the command control centre operations, told TOI, "At present, monitoring is being carried out manually, but an automated tracking system is under development and is expected to be implemented within a month. Stringent enforcement measures by the transport department have already brought most private buses in AP under the prescribed speed limit."
Future Plans for Interstate Buses
The officials added that the department is also exploring ways to regulate the speed of buses entering the state from neighbouring regions, including Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, to ensure uniform road safety standards. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive safety net for all passengers traveling through Andhra Pradesh.
