In a major crackdown on passenger safety, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Indore seized seven buses, which included three sleeper coaches, during a surprise inspection on Monday. The operation, focused on fire safety and emergency protocols, uncovered alarming lapses at the Teen Imli bus stand and nearby areas.
Inspection Uncovers Critical Safety Lapses
The special drive was led by ARTO Archana Mishra, who stated that the inspection revealed buses blatantly flouting prescribed norms. The most serious violations were the absence of mandatory fire safety equipment and non-compliant emergency exit arrangements. Furthermore, officials found a significant discrepancy between the actual number of passengers the buses were carrying and the seating capacity officially registered in their documents.
Among the impounded vehicles, one bus was found to be operating without any valid permit and was immediately taken off the road. The fitness certificate of another bus was cancelled on the spot. Mishra emphasized that the process to cancel the registration, fitness certificates, and permits of the three sleeper coach buses has been initiated. Letters are being sent to the original registration authority and the RTO to formalize this action.
Strict Directives and New Safety Mandates
Authorities issued a stern warning to all bus operators. They were instructed to ensure all documents are valid and that their vehicles fully comply with fire safety standards, emergency exit rules, and seating norms before putting them into service. Passenger safety must be the top priority, or else strict legal action will follow, Mishra asserted.
The transport department's updated regulations were highlighted during this action. As per the rules, all deluxe buses registered after October 1, 2023, must be equipped with a fire detection and suppression system. Both deluxe buses and school vehicles require a fire alarm and protection system. For vehicles registered before this date, it is mandatory to carry fire extinguishers of a prescribed weight, a specified number of emergency exits, and hammers to break glass during emergencies. The three seized sleeper buses were found lacking these basic, life-saving arrangements.
Zero-Tolerance Approach Towards Passenger Safety
This decisive action by the Indore RTO signals a shift towards a zero-tolerance policy regarding safety violations in public transport. The inspection drive underscores the administration's commitment to holding operators accountable. The move aims to send a clear message that compromising on passenger safety for profit will lead to severe penalties, including the cancellation of permits and registrations. The focus remains on ensuring every vehicle on the road adheres to the highest safety standards to protect commuters.
