AP Transport Department Launches Major Crackdown After Fatal Bus Accident
In a decisive response to the devastating Markapuram bus accident that claimed 14 lives, the Andhra Pradesh transport department has initiated a rigorous statewide enforcement drive. The operation, conducted from March 26 to 29, resulted in the booking of 888 private travel buses, the seizure of 11 vehicles found violating safety norms, and the imposition of fines totaling Rs 86.01 lakh.
Coordinated Efforts Yield Significant Results
Working in close coordination with police forces, transport officials established 16 checking points across the state, conducting multi-department inspections on a total of 3,860 buses. Joint Transport Commissioner (Enforcement) N Sivarama Prasad highlighted that a major portion of the violations involved buses operating without valid taxes and fitness certificates. He noted that issues such as emergency exit doors and unauthorized bus body modifications, which were prevalent in previous checks, have seen significant rectification by operators following last year's stringent enforcement actions.
Notable Violations and Enforcement Actions
Among the serious infractions uncovered during the drive, one bus was seized for using fake registration number plates, while a school bus from Telangana, found plying in Andhra Pradesh without proper fitness and permit documentation, was also booked. In a particularly alarming case, a driver was arrested for operating a bus under the influence of alcohol. Authorities have emphasized that this special drive will continue indefinitely to ensure all private travel buses in the state strictly comply with established safety regulations.
Government's Firm Stance on Passenger Safety
Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy reinforced the government's unwavering commitment to passenger safety, stating that special inspections are being conducted statewide to target buses carrying excess loads and those illegally transporting commercial goods. "Enforcement teams are rigorously checking vehicles at 16 strategic locations, including toll plazas and check posts, as part of our ongoing special drive. Officials have been instructed to maintain this high level of scrutiny without compromise," he asserted.
Reiterating a zero-tolerance policy towards safety norm violations, Minister Reddy issued a stern warning to all transport operators. He also appealed to the public to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to help prevent future accidents and ensure safer roads for everyone.
