Minister Ramalinga Reddy bats for a check on commercial goods in private buses

Bengaluru: The reports of the presence of 300 smartphones intensifying the Kurnool bus fire tragedy has turned the spotlight on the safety lapses involved in the transportation of goods by private operators, said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. 

As per forensic reports, the exploding batteries of these phones added to the intensity of the fire, which claimed the lives of 20 people. The shipment was en route to Bengaluru for an e-commerce giant to deliver to buyers. 

“More vigilance is required when it comes to passenger vehicles operated by private entities. There needs to be stricter regulations to monitor the movement of commercial goods on these vehicles, and a clear guideline needs to be issued with regard to regular checks. We’re looking into this matter and we will crack down on these services,” Ramalinga Reddy told DH. 

Carrying commercial goods on a passenger bus is a violation - common across the state, said a senior transport department official. “Private operators end up taking these consignments under the radar, and are only caught when there are special checks. It is not possible to check every bus as there are countless private operators. Since they operate under the radar, they end up transporting all sorts of goods, but there have been no cases of transportation of illegal materials,” he said. 

Bus modifications

The minister also highlighted the need for stricter regulations regarding bus modifications. “The central government has been issuing these guidelines. There are specific guidelines that need to be followed for both sleeper and seater buses. However, the private operators tend to make modifications either to provide some extra features or cut some costs,” he said. 

Regular checking of private vehicles is often hindered by out-of-state registrations, he added. “Most of these vehicles have an All India Tourist Permit (AITP), and are registered in different states in order to skimp on taxes, despite solely operating services to and from Karnataka. As a result, their fitness certificates are issued by the state they’re registered in, and our officials don’t have a say in it. This needs to change. Vehicles predominantly running in Karnataka need to be registered here,” he said.

About 25 private buses with AITP were seized on Friday, for operating night services in Karnataka without paying state taxes. The Transport Department plans to continue the crackdown across Bengaluru.