HYDERABAD: Why are so many accidents, especially involving vehicles that transport labourers, being reported across the districts? This is because apart from rash driving, many of these vehicles often overload passengers. Also, many of these vehicles, like tractor trolleys, are designed to transport goods and not people. Police say such accidents can be prevented by following simple ground rules -- travel within safe speed limits, without exceeding the seating capacity.
Transport department officials say that they often intercept such vehicles. But, in most instances, the passengers are daily wage labourers. Local leaders intervene and request for them to be left alone. “Though it’s a violation, they are doing so to save a small amount for their survival. So we let them off,” admits one transport official in Rangareddy District.
Addl DCP Traffic, Rachakonda N Divyacharan Rao said they have intensified checks on such erring vehicles and are penalising them. Despite this, the practice is rampant in districts. “Travelling in excess capacity has adverse effects. The burden on the vehicle will increase; there are less chances for the driver to control the vehicle, and casualties are likely to be more in case of accidents” he said.
Long waiting hours force villagers to ditch RTC buses
RTC buses plying even the city are often overloaded. Goods vehicles like DCM vans, tractors and even trucks are used during marriages, other functions to transport people. Tractors and DCM vans were used even during the TRS plenary held at Warangal in 2017 for transporting party cadres from different parts of the state.
In the recent accident at Manchal, this is what happened as the victims chose to take private transport over RTC buses. Though there are RTC services operating through the village, timings are not suitable for farmers. Chennareddygudem Sarpanch Mavilla Balamani says earlier there was a direct bus till Santosh Nagar, however citing less occupancy the service was cancelled soon.