Sachin Malik Noida: The Yogi Adityanath Government In Uttar Pradesh has repeatedly emphasized its zero-tolerance Policy against corruption, but serious Questions continue to be raised over the functioning of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department. In Particular, Questions are being raised over Sleeper buses operating through Noida and Ghaziabad with Roof-mounted luggage carriers and Why effective action is not being taken against such buses despite the alleged violations of Rules.
Under the directions of the Government of India Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and with reference to Rule 128(9) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, Provisions have been made regarding the Structure and Safety Standards of buses. Directions have also been issued to States from time to time to Prevent road accidents and curb the Problem of overloading. Transport departments in various States have also issued directions for action regarding luggage carriers and ladders installed on the Roofs of Buses.
Despite this, it is being Claimed that a large number of Sleeper buses are Passing through Noida with large luggage carriers installed on their roofs. It is alleged that heavy Quantities of Goods are being loaded onto these carriers. In several cases, the luggage can reportedly be seen Stacked several feet above the roof of the bus. This raises the Question: Does this not constitute overloading and a violation of Road-Safety Standards?
Heavy Loads on Roof Carriers May Increase the Risk of Accidents
Loading heavy luggage onto the roofs of Sleeper buses can Potentially affect the weight distribution and balance of the buses. The risk of such buses becoming unstable may increase during high-speed travel or sudden braking. If a bus overturns, the lives of Passengers travelling inside could be Placed at serious Risk.
The biggest Question is: If a major accident occurs involving a Sleeper bus fitted with a roof carrier and loaded with heavy luggage, Who will be held responsible? Are the concerned officials waiting for an accident to occur before taking action, or will compliance with the rules be ensured Beforehand?
Questions Over the Functioning of Noida ARTO Officials
It is alleged that a large number of Sleeper buses travel every day through Noida and Ghaziabad to various districts of Uttar Pradesh. These buses are reportedly carrying substantial Quantities of luggage on roof-mounted carriers. At the local level, there are also allegations that several buses have allegedly been “marked” and that illegal collections are being made from them.
If these allegations are found to be true, they would raise serious Questions not only about the monitoring mechanism of the Transport Department but also about the effectiveness of the Government zero-tolerance Policy.
Who Is Providing Protection to the Alleged Corruption Network?
The biggest Question is: If such buses are allegedly operating continuously under the watch of Transport Department officials, Why is action not being taken against them?
Is there any kind of Pressure on the officials? Are they allegedly receiving Protection from an influential Person or Group? Or is action allegedly being avoided because of illegal collections?
Amid the Government Claims of following a zero-tolerance Policy against corruption, the allegations concerning the Transport Department warrant a high-level Investigation.
Names of These Bus Operators Also Being Mentioned
According to sources and allegations being made at the local level, the names of several Sleeper-bus operators are being mentioned. These include Safar Travels, Fauji Travels, Vaishali Travels, Raj Kalpana Travels, Hans Travels, Shatabdi Travels, Travel Point, Jamuna Travels, Cool Cool Travels, BS Cool Cool Travels, Tourist Point Travels, Bus India Travels, ITC Travels, Jagdamba Travels, Chandni Travels, Khajuraho Travels and New India Travels.
However, the allegations of illegal Collections or violations of rules against these operators need to be independently verified. The concerned bus operators Should also be Given an opportunity to Present their side during any Investigation.
Is the Department Waiting for a Major Accident?
According to road-safety experts, overloading and carrying heavy luggage on the roofs of buses can Potentially create risks for Passengers as well as other road users. The Question, therefore, is whether the Transport Department will wake up only after a major accident or ensure Strict compliance with the rules Beforehand.
Amid the Yogi Government zero-tolerance Policy, the Questions are now directly directed at Transport Department officials: If rules are being violated, why is action not being taken? How are Sleeper buses with roof-mounted carriers being allowed to operate on the roads? And if the allegations of illegal collections are false, Why does the department not conduct a high-level investigation and Clarify the facts?
The Public now wants an answer from the Transport Department and the State Government: When will action be taken against these Sleeper buses fitted with roof carriers, and Who will take responsibility for the safety of Passengers travelling on the Roads?
