Telangana transport dept books 75 private travel buses during Sankranthi special checks

Hyderabad: In a major enforcement drive ahead of the Sankranthi travel rush, the Telangana Transport Department has booked cases against 75 private travel buses for multiple violations detected during special inspections conducted from January 7 to date.

Violations detected

According to an official statement, cases were registered against private buses for offences such as:

- Carrying goods instead of passengers.

- Not maintaining passenger lists.

- Absence of mandatory first-aid boxes.

- Other safety and permit-related violations.

Rs 76,000 collected in fines on January 9

As part of a special checking drive on contract carriage (CC) buses, the Transport Department booked 31 cases on January 9 for multiple violations across different zones in Hyderabad.

The drive resulted in the collection of Rs 76,000 as fines, while several buses were also seized for serious lapses.

The highest number of cases were booked in the North and South Zones, followed by checks in the Central, East, West Zones and at the DTT office in Nagole.

Statewide enforcement drive

The department said that instructions have already been issued to transport officials across all districts in Telangana to intensify inspections.

As part of this drive, eight special enforcement teams have been constituted in Hyderabad and Rangareddy districts to monitor private travel operators.

Sankranthi Rush: Warning to operators

With heavy passenger movement expected during the festive season, the Transport Department has warned private bus operators not to collect excess fares under any circumstances and not to operate buses as stage carriages, which is a violation of permit conditions.

Sleeper bus guidelines soon

Officials further stated that guidelines for the operation of sleeper buses will be issued shortly. Special checks will also be carried out on sleeper buses registered in other states but operating in Telangana.

Vehicles found to be registered or operated in violation of norms will face strict legal action, the department warned.

The Transport Department reiterated that the enforcement drive aims to ensure passenger safety, fair fares and strict compliance with transport regulations during the festive season.