HYDERABAD: A day after the Kurnool bus accident that claimed 19 lives, the Road Transport Authority (RTA) intensified inspections of contract carriage buses across Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal, and Malkajgiri districts.
The large-scale drive launched early Saturday exposed widespread safety violations and permit breaches in the private passenger transport sector.
Inspections began at 4.30 am, with enforcement teams deployed at key transit points to check private buses on inter-state routes. In a single day, the RTA booked 68 cases, collected Rs 1.17 lakh in compounding fees, and seized four vehicles.
The highest number of violations was reported from Hyderabad North Zone, where 23 cases were booked and Rs 46,000 collected. Common offences included absence of fire extinguishers and first-aid boxes, use of prohibited multi-tone horns, and unauthorised carriage of commercial goods.
“Some contract carriage buses were carrying commercial goods, which is strictly prohibited. These vehicles are allowed to carry only passenger luggage,” an RTA official said.
In one case, a bus bearing registration TS12UE1236 was found operating with 29 seats despite permission for only 23. “Such illegal alterations affect the vehicle’s balance, posing a serious risk,” the official added.
In the Rangareddy district, 14 buses were booked for permit misuse, unauthorised seating modifications, and missing documentation, leading to the seizure of three vehicles. In Medchal-Malkajgiri, seven cases were booked, with one seizure due to tax default and lack of safety equipment.
Officials said inspections will continue, especially targeting sleeper and long-distance buses. “Despite having fitness certificates, many operators are ignoring basic safety norms. We will not tolerate such negligence,” an RTA official said.
Between January 1 and October 25, the RTA booked 8,848 cases against contract carriage operators, collected Rs 2.28 crore in compounding fees, and Rs 14.68 crore in taxes and penalties. A total of 877 vehicles were seized for tax evasion and safety violations.
Private electric bus overturns in Hyderabad
At least six persons sustained minor injuries when a private electric bus overturned near Pedda Amberpet on the ORR on Saturday. Police said the bus was on its way to Guntur from Hyderabad. On reaching the Abdullapurmet stretch at 12.30 pm, the driver failed to decelerate at the curve and lost control. The bus hit the railing before veering off the road and turning over due to the steep slope. Nearly 15 people were travelling in the bus at the time of the incident.
