Telangana launches statewide checks after Kurnool bus accident
KURNOOL:Â Following the recent Kurnool bus accident, the Telangana Transport Department has begun statewide inspections of private buses and travel operators. The drive, launched on Friday evening, comes amid growing criticism of lax enforcement and allegations of negligence by officials.
Regional Transport Authority (RTA) teams have been conducting surprise checks to ensure compliance with safety and permit regulations. Preliminary findings indicate that several private operators are violating basic safety norms.
Officials carried out inspections along the Vijayawada and Bengaluru highways. At Gagan Pahad, under Rajendranagar police station limits, teams checked buses entering from Andhra Pradesh for fire safety systems and medical kits. Five private buses were booked for violations, while one vehicle operating with a broken windscreen was seized. Passengers told officials that the same bus had earlier been involved in an accident near Jadcherla.
In Hyderabad, RTA officials inspected vehicles at Chintalkunta in LB Nagar. One travel bus was seized for safety lapses, and four others were booked for permit violations.
Locals in Sangareddy district alleged that a Circle Inspector had colluded with some travel operators to influence or dilute the inspection process. The claims have drawn sharp criticism of internal accountability within the department.
Authorities have yet to confirm how many buses will be seized statewide or what further action will follow the ongoing checks. Officials said the inspection drive would continue over the next few days, focusing on roadworthiness, insurance validity, and safety compliance.
