Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, June 14: Even after a month since the tragic road accident in Latti, in which 25 persons were killed and more than 50 got injured, over loading of passenger vehicles goes unabated in this hilly area besides continuous plying of 20 to 25 year old busses in the district.
Over loading is still a routine on the rural and hilly routes of the district, including Ramnagar – Basantgarh- Jakhed- Latti route, Udhampur-Kainthgali-Mongri-Panchari-Landher route, Udhampur-Tirchi- Gandala- Narote route, Udhampur- Barmeen- Ghordi- Chowki route besides other smaller routes also.
Buses, minibuses and small passenger magic vehicles are often seen over loaded on these routes and nothing has changed on ground except statements by the officials whose hollow claims have fallen flat on ground zero.
“It is a known fact that the officials of the Regional Transport Department and Traffic Police are hand in glove with the bus and minibus operators in overloading of the passenger vehicles”, alleges Dina Nath , a retired district officer and social worker.
A number of busses ranging from 1993 to 2000 Model, which are more than 20 years old, are still continuously plying on the hilly routes of Udhampur district and residents are forced to use these buses, which are loaded with passengers, like animals and goats. Many of these are regular “Service Buses” on the hilly areas of Udhampur where the conditions of the roads is so worst that any accident may happen any time.
“As the condition of road is so worst, it is not economically viable to send new busses on these roads and over loading takes place only when it is marriage season or other bus on the same route gets halted and the entire load is shifted on a particular bus. The State Government has to ensure good condition of roads before dictating terms to us for plying new buses on these worst routes”, said Ram Singh, president of Banihal Route Buses Association, Udhampur.
” In the last few days, we have seized 10 vehicles on account of overloading and random nakkas are being laid every day by our staff. Route permits for buses, minibuses and small passenger vehicles are being processed and given so that the number of vehicles on ground increases. Presently instructions from the Deputy Commissioner are to issue permits as early as possible after thorough verification. We urge the public to inform us telephonically about overloading as well as on which routes more buses are required so that action can be taken accordingly “, said Ramesh Kumar ARTO Udhampur. Regarding 20 years old buses plying on worst roads, the ARTO pleaded that as per High Court guidelines, commercial buses have to undergo overall check up after every six months and it is being ensured that these buses ply on safer routes.
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