In a swift response to the devastating bus accident in Kurnool that killed 13 people, transport authorities in Telangana have launched a major crackdown on private bus operators across the state. The tragic incident has triggered widespread safety concerns and immediate government action.
Massive Safety Drive Underway
Transport department officials have been conducting intensive checks on private buses, focusing on critical safety aspects. The inspection campaign has revealed alarming violations that put passenger lives at risk.
Key areas under scrutiny include:
- Vehicle fitness certificates and documentation
- Driver qualifications and working hours
- Emergency exit functionality
- Fire safety equipment availability
- Overall mechanical condition of buses
The Tragic Incident That Sparked Action
The crackdown comes after a private bus traveling from Telangana to Tirupati met with a fatal accident in Kurnool district's Dhone mandal. The vehicle, carrying 52 passengers, crashed in the early hours, resulting in 13 fatalities and multiple injuries.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as local residents and emergency services worked together to rescue trapped passengers. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
Government Response and Compensation
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced ex gratia payments of ₹10 lakh each to the families of the deceased. The state government has also committed to covering all medical expenses for the injured victims.
"This tragedy has highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety norms in private passenger transport," stated a senior transport official involved in the ongoing inspections.
Broader Implications for Transport Sector
The Kurnool accident has reignited debates about road safety standards and regulatory oversight in the private transport sector. Transport authorities have indicated that the current drive is just the beginning of a sustained effort to improve passenger safety.
Regular safety audits and stricter penalty systems for violations are being considered as part of long-term reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
