Telangana transport dept books 75 private buses ahead of Sankranti
HYDERABAD: Cracking down ahead of the Sankranti festival, the Telangana Transport Department launched a sweeping enforcement drive, booking 75 private travel buses for a range of violations in just three days. From January 7 to 9, special inspections led to fines exceeding Rs 1.13 lakh, with a surge of 31 cases registered on Thursday alone.
According to the Transport department, violations included transporting unauthorized goods, absence of passenger lists, missing fire extinguishers, lack of first-aid boxes, drivers without uniforms, and use of prohibited multi-tone horns. Several buses were also found operating without valid fitness certificates (FC).
A zone-wise breakdown for January 9 shows that the North and South zones recorded the highest number of cases (7 each), followed by the Central, East, and DTT Nagole zones. Fines collected on Thursday totaled Rs 76,000.
With heavy passenger movement expected during Sankranti, the Transport Department has issued directives to private bus operators. Authorities warned against charging exorbitant fares and operating buses as stage carriages without proper permits.
The department has formed eight special inspection teams in Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts to ensure compliance. Officials in all districts across the state have been instructed to maintain rigorous checks on private and interstate buses.
The Transport Department also announced that guidelines for sleeper bus operations will be issued shortly. Special attention will be given to sleeper coaches registered in other states but plying in Telangana. “Vehicles found violating rules will face strict action, including seizure and heavy penalties,” a senior official stated.
The enforcement drive is part of the department’s effort to enhance passenger safety, curb illegal operations, and prevent fare exploitation during the peak Sankranti festival. The department urged passengers to report malpractices to transport authorities and assured that continuous checks will be conducted throughout the festive season.
