RTA steps up checks on private buses, collects ₹62 lakh in fines

The Road Transport Authority (RTA), Visakhapatnam region, has tightened enforcement against private travel operators, collecting ₹62 lakh in penalties and booking 202 cases for violations of motor vehicle norms between Dasara 2025 and March 31, 2026. Nineteen buses were seized during this period.

As part of a 10-day special drive conducted up to March 31, focusing on contract carriage (CC) buses, officials registered 16 cases and imposed fines totalling ₹6.94 lakh. The exercise aimed to check violations and ensure compliance with safety standards during the peak month-end travel period.

During inspections, officials detected several irregularities, including operations without valid permits, violations of permit conditions, and non-payment of road taxes. Serious safety lapses were also noted, such as non-functional emergency exits and the absence of fire extinguishers and first-aid kits, posing risks to passengers.

The enforcement push follows the March 26 accident near Markapuram in Prakasam district, in which 14 passengers, including an infant, lost their lives after a private bus collided with a tipper lorry and caught fire.

Deputy Transport Commissioner (in-charge) R. Ch. Srinivas said such drives are conducted regularly to regulate the private travel sector. “We intensified checks during Dasara and Sankranti to curb overcharging and ensure safety compliance. From Dasara 2025 to March 31, 2026, we have booked 202 cases and seized 19 CC buses,” he said.

Referring to the Markapuram incident, he called it a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to permit and safety norms. He warned that buses operating with blocked emergency exits or without proper tax clearances would face stringent action.

Passengers have been advised to verify permit details and basic safety features before boarding private buses.