Chevella tragedy fallout: 528 pvt buses checked, Rs 79 lakh levied in penalties for safety violations

Hyderabad: A massive enforcement drive by the Hyderabad transport department has led to extensive checks on 528 private buses and the recovery of over Rs 79 lakh in penalties and taxes for safety and statutory violations.

The special drive was carried out between November 1 and 14 across the district.

Surprise checks intensified after Chevella tragedy

Following the Chevella bus accident, the transport department has heightened frisking and surprise inspections across more than 30 high-risk locations. Special enforcement teams have been deployed round the clock, acting on transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar’s directive to enforce strict safety norms.

Major penalties for fitness certificate lapses

According to Vehicle Check Report (VCR) data, officials imposed penalties amounting to Rs 32,88,495 for Fitness Certificate (FC) violations alone.

In addition, Rs 46,73,168 was collected in pending and due taxes, taking the total recovery from FC-related checks to Rs 79,61,663.

Warning against excess luggage

Hyderabad district joint transport commissioner Chidura Ramesh issued a stern warning to private bus operators, stating that action under the Telangana RTA Act would be taken against those allowing passengers to carry baggage beyond permitted personal belongings.

“They should not carry any luggage other than their personal luggage,” he emphasised.

66 buses seized for overloading

During the drive, officials issued 84 VCRs specifically for overloading luggage and carrying additional material. A total of 66 buses were seized, and fines amounting to Rs 13,53,450 were imposed for Fitness Certificate violations in these cases.

Authorities also recovered Rs 9,125 in pending tax, bringing the total to Rs 13,62,575 for luggage-related violations.

Total recovery touches Rs 93 lakh

Across all categories of offences, enforcement teams issued 612 VCRs, seized 66 buses and collected a cumulative Rs 93,24,238 in fines and taxes during the two-week operation.

Continuous checks to continue

Ramesh said the transport department would continue its round-the-clock checks and increase surveillance at identified hotspots. He urged private bus operators to prioritise passenger safety and warned that any violation would invite strict legal action without exception.