Patna: Traffic enforcement for buses, autos and e-rickshaws in Patna is set to intensify, with authorities introducing stricter action against vehicles stopping outside designated areas, operating without required tracking devices and being driven by minors.
The decisions were taken at a joint meeting of the traffic police, District Transport Office (DTO), Transport Corporation and auto-rickshaw union representatives on Saturday. Traffic SP Sagar Kumar discussed compliance with traffic rules and measures to address congestion and road safety.
Buses To Stop Only At Designated Points
Government and private buses operating in Patna will be required to pick up and drop off passengers only at designated bus stops.
From Sunday, traffic police will take on-the-spot action against buses that stop before or beyond authorised stops. Drivers and operators could face penalties for violating the rule.
Following a recent bus accident on the Rajabazar flyover, drivers of Transport Corporation city buses will also undergo traffic-safety training. Officials said the training is intended to improve compliance with traffic rules and help prevent accidents.
Mandatory Training For Auto And E-Rickshaw Drivers
Traffic police will check auto and e-rickshaw drivers at major city intersections. Officials will verify driving licences and vehicle documents during the checks.
Vehicles found being driven by minors will be seized, according to the traffic authorities.
From October 1, all licensed auto and e-rickshaw drivers will have to complete a three-hour training programme. The DTO will issue certificates after completion, and vehicles will not be permitted to operate without the required certification.
Naveen Mishra, general secretary of the Progressive Auto-Rickshaw Drivers’ Union, has also sought mandatory uniforms, badges and identity cards for drivers, along with welfare measures.
Buses At GPO Hub Face Fines
Buses operating from the multi-modal hub at the GPO will have to leave with their doors closed. Drivers will face fines if they stop at the GPO roundabout or on the main road outside the hub.
Authorities identified several congestion-prone locations, including the GPO roundabout, Dakbungalow Crossing, Kargil Chowk, Boring Road Crossing, Hartali Mor, Mithapur Flyover and Old Bus Stand Road.
Other identified hotspots include Saguna Mor, Anisabad Roundabout, Nala Road, Kankarbagh Main Road, Rajendranagar Overbridge, Kankarbagh Tempo Stand, Ashok Rajpath, Bypass-Zero Mile, Rajabazar, Machhua Toli, Bari Path, Gaighat and Old Patna City Road.
VLTD Made Mandatory For Passenger Vehicles
Passenger vehicles operating without a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) will face action in Patna. Authorities said new permits and fitness certificates will not be issued to vehicles without the required device.
DTO Upendra Kumar Pal said VLTD installation is mandatory for vehicles with yellow number plates. The devices will help authorities monitor passenger vehicles through CCTV cameras installed at toll plazas and major intersections.
Owners of school buses, taxis, Ola/Uber vehicles and city buses found operating without a VLTD will face a fine of Rs 5,000, according to officials.
Action Against Unsafe School Vans
The Transport Department has also received complaints about children being transported in unsafe school vans, including vehicles more than 15 years old, particularly in rural areas.
Officials said such vehicles will be identified and impounded. The department is also carrying out checks on passenger vehicles operating without VLTDs, while monitoring of buses, autos and e-rickshaws is being increased.
