Night ban on heavy vehicles on ASR ghat roads after bus tragedy

The Alluri Sitharama Raju district police have imposed night-time restrictions on the movement of heavy vehicles on ghat roads and bridges in the district, citing safety concerns amid dense fog conditions. The decision follows a fatal accident in which a private travel bus plunged into a ditch in a forested stretch near Rajugarimetta on the Chintur–Maredumilli road, killing nine passengers and injuring five others.

ASR district Superintendent of Police Amit Bardar said that all heavy goods vehicles and heavy passenger vehicles would be barred from plying on ghat roads between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. until fog conditions improve. He said reduced visibility on already risky hill roads had significantly increased the chances of accidents.

Police warned that strict legal action would be taken against violators of the order. Drivers of smaller vehicles were advised to exercise caution, maintain low speeds, and use proper lighting while travelling during foggy conditions.

The restriction comes in the wake of the early morning accident on Friday, when a bus carrying 37 passengers from Araku Valley to Bhadrachalam lost control due to dense fog and poor visibility and fell into a valley around 4.40 a.m. The passengers were largely from Chittoor district, with a few from Bengaluru. Two drivers were also on board.

Police said the safety measure was aimed at preventing further loss of life and urged commuters to plan their travel accordingly. Passengers have been asked to contact local police stations for further information.