Bihar Conducts Statewide Bus Inspection Campaign, Takes Action Against Violations

Patna: A comprehensive inspection campaign was carried out across all districts of Bihar on Saturday to assess the fitness, permits, insurance, pollution levels, and speed governors of buses operating within the state. The crackdown resulted in action being taken against 252 buses found in violation of the Motor Vehicle Act or lacking updated fitness certificates.

During the campaign, a total of 556 buses were inspected. Out of these, 252 buses were fined for various infractions, and 26 buses were impounded. The operation was conducted by District Transport Officers, Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVI), and Enforcement Staff Inspectors (ESI) in every district.

Transport Secretary Sanjay Kumar Aggarwal, via video conference, instructed all district DTOs, ADTOs, MVIs, and ESIs to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations. He emphasized that driving buses with failed fitness certificates not only violates the Motor Vehicle Act but also poses significant road safety risks, contributing to daily road accidents.

Aggarwal underscored that buses without functioning speed governors and Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) should not be granted fitness certificates. It is mandatory for both government and private buses to be equipped with these safety devices.

Furthermore, the installation of vehicle location tracking devices and emergency buttons in public transport vehicles has been mandated to enhance the safety of passengers, particularly women and children. This requirement applies to all public transport vehicles registered after January 1, 2019, and has been retroactively applied to those registered before this date.

State Transport Commissioner Vishal Raj reiterated that the installation of VLTDs is compulsory for all passenger transport vehicles. He warned that if these devices are found inactive during inspections, action will be taken to suspend or cancel the vehicle’s permit.

The campaign also targets buses entering Bihar from other states, ensuring they comply with the Motor Vehicle Act. Violating buses will face operational bans within Bihar. This initiative is part of the state’s broader efforts to enhance road safety and ensure the safe operation of public transport.