Transport secretary issues directives for strict implementation of ban on diesel city buses in Patna

Patna: Stricter measures are set to be enforced against the unlawful operation of diesel-run city buses in the capital, with severe consequences for those flouting the rules. Transport Secretary Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has issued directives to the Superintendent of Traffic Police in Patna and the District Transport Officer to enforce these measures.

To eradicate the illegal operation of diesel-powered city buses in the capital, a high-level meeting was convened on Friday, chaired by Transport Secretary Agarwal. The meeting included high-ranking officials, including ADG Traffic Sudhanshu Kumar, State Transport Commissioner Dr Ashima Jain, Member Secretary of Bihar State Pollution Control Board S Chandrashekhar, Superintendent of Police (SP)- Traffic Puran Kumar Jha, and District Transport Officer Prakash.

The Transport Secretary emphasized the need to control vehicular pollution attributed to diesel-powered city buses, announcing a ban on such buses within the jurisdiction of Patna Municipal Corporation, Danapur Municipal Council, Khagaul Municipal Council, and Phulwarisharif Municipal Council, effective from midnight on September 30. However, despite the ban, complaints regarding the continued operation of diesel city buses in the capital persist.

In response, he has instructed a vigorous campaign to be initiated, targeting the seizure and registration cancellations of illegally operating diesel city buses. Additionally, the local police stations in Patna have been given orders to closely monitor any instances of diesel city buses operating in violation of the government’s directive.

The continued operation of diesel city buses in defiance of the ban constitutes a violation of government orders. As part of the ongoing investigation campaign led by the District Transport Officer, Motor Vehicle Inspectors, and Enforcement Sub-Inspectors, a substantial fine of Rs 3.50lakh has been imposed on a total of 69 city buses, with five buses already seized, since October 1. This marks a significant step in the city’s efforts to combat illegal bus operations.