UDUPI: Private and government buses continue to operate in Udupi city without properly fitted doors and with passengers travelling beyond permitted capacity, raising serious concerns over commuter safety despite fines imposed by traffic police.
The continued violations have triggered public criticism of the authorities, particularly the Regional Transport Office (RTO), over the alleged lack of coordinated enforcement. The issue has drawn attention to the risks faced by passengers who travel on crowded buses, with some reportedly forced to stand precariously near open doorways.
According to a report published by Daijiworld on October 19, traffic police launched a special enforcement drive about a month ago against private buses operating without doors, with doors left unfitted or carrying passengers beyond the permitted limit.
Traffic police collect Rs 45,000 in fines
During the enforcement drive, police issued warnings and imposed fines on buses found violating safety requirements. Traffic police are reportedly penalising around four to five buses on some days, with the total amount collected reaching approximately Rs 45,000.
However, the penalties have not fully stopped the violations. Buses continue to operate without properly fitted doors, while overcrowding remains a concern on some services.
Passengers travelling near open doorways face the risk of falling from moving vehicles, potentially resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. The situation has prompted members of the public to call for stronger enforcement of passenger safety regulations.
RTO faces criticism over enforcement
The RTO has come under criticism over its reported absence from the enforcement campaign. According to the report, the office was expected to assist the police, but no RTO officer or staff member reportedly participated in the drive.
Public complaints have also questioned whether transport officials are taking sufficient action against buses that continue to violate safety rules.
The deputy commissioner had earlier made it mandatory for buses to be fitted with doors and provided operators with a stipulated period to comply with the directive. However, some operators reportedly continued to disregard the requirement, prompting traffic police to take enforcement measures.
The issue has raised questions about coordination between the police, district administration and transport authorities in ensuring that public transport operators comply with passenger safety regulations.
SP warns of continued action
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar has warned that the enforcement drive will continue in the coming days and that action will be taken against buses found violating the rules.
He has also stated that buses without doors will not be permitted to operate if they fail to meet the requirements during fitness certificate (FC) inspections.
The warning signals that operators could face further action if they fail to comply with the safety requirements. Fitness inspections are an important checkpoint for ensuring that vehicles meet the conditions necessary for road use.
Passenger safety remains a concern
Despite warnings and fines, continued violations have fuelled public dissatisfaction. Residents have called for stricter action against errant operators and better coordination among enforcement agencies.
Ensuring that buses have properly fitted doors and do not exceed permitted passenger capacity is essential to reducing the risk of accidents. The effectiveness of the ongoing drive will depend on consistent inspections, enforcement and compliance by operators.
Excerpt: Udupi traffic police have collected around Rs 45,000 in fines, but buses reportedly continue to operate without doors and carry overcrowded passengers.
Meta title: Udupi Bus Safety: RTO Faces Flak Despite Rs 45,000 Fines
Meta description: Udupi buses continue to flout door and passenger-capacity rules despite Rs 45,000 in fines, prompting calls for stricter RTO enforcement.
Tags: Udupi buses operating without doors, Udupi RTO passenger safety enforcement, Karnataka public transport safety rules, Udupi traffic police bus fines, overcrowded private and government buses
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