Telangana cracks down on unsafe private buses

Transport authorities in Telangana intensified inspections of private buses on Sunday to ensure they meet safety and fitness standards. Following a tragic bus fire in Andhra Pradesh on October 24 that killed 19 people, officials registered 14 cases against buses for safety violations and collected fines totaling Rs 46,000.

Hyderabad alone has nearly 500 inter-state private buses operating daily. Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said he will meet his counterparts in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to discuss measures to prevent accidents, especially on busy inter-state routes. He also warned private bus operators that strict action would be taken against those who fail to maintain vehicle safety or comply with legal regulations. “Bus owners must ensure vehicles are roadworthy and do not overspeed,” he said.

The recent accident involved a private bus carrying 44 passengers, which collided with a motorbike at Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh. The crash caused a fire, killing 19 passengers and the motorcyclist, though several others managed to escape.

Private buses are required to undergo regular maintenance and obtain valid fitness certificates from the Regional Transport Office. They must be equipped with safety tools such as fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, and clearly marked emergency exits. Drivers must hold a valid commercial license, follow regulated working hours, and avoid driving under the influence. Speed limits, proper seating, and pollution control measures, including valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, are mandatory.