HYDERABAD: Private bus operators converting seats to sleeper berths; fined ₹4.5 lakh
HYDERABAD:Â Regional Transport Authority (RTA) inspections have exposed the extent of overcharging and violations by private bus operators in Hyderabad and neighbouring districts. Officials were shocked to find that even ordinary sitting seats were converted into sleeper berths for higher fares.
During inspections at Nagole on Tuesday, officials identified five buses that had converted regular seats into sleeper berths. Cases were registered against the operators, and each was fined ₹15,000.
Fire safety, tax, and permit violations across zones
In the Central Zone, four buses were booked for lacking fire safety equipment and first-aid boxes, with ₹17,000 in penalties imposed.
In the East Zone, three buses were found carrying commercial goods without fire safety arrangements, drawing ₹13,000 in fines.
In the West Zone, seven buses were penalised ₹17,000 for not paying road tax or operating without valid fitness certificates.
Unauthorized operations and goods transport
In the North Zone, officials booked seven buses for unauthorised operations, carrying commercial goods, lacking fire safety measures, and overloading passengers. A total of ₹12,000 was collected in fines.
In the South Zone, 10 buses were penalised ₹25,000 for similar violations.
In Ranga Reddy district, six buses were fined ₹15,000 for not maintaining passenger lists and transporting commercial goods.
In Medchal–Malkajgiri district, seven buses were booked for not having a second driver, operating without licences, and transporting goods.
Officials said 192 cases were registered over four days, with ₹4.5 lakh in fines collected. Eight buses were seized.
