Copyright thehindu
In the wake of the recent Kurnool bus fire tragedy, the Karnataka Transport Department has launched an inspection drive against private buses in Bengaluru. As part of the week-long operation, officials have booked 380 cases and seized 63 vehicles for violating safety and tax norms. The inspection, conducted between October 24 and 30, involved 12 dedicated enforcement teams checking private buses in Attibele and Devanahalli, key entry points to Bengaluru. The teams examined whether the vehicles had proper emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits, while also verifying the State road tax payments and permit compliance. A senior Transport Department official said the checks were intensified following the Kurnool tragedy, which underscored the importance of passenger safety. The incident has shown how crucial it was to ensure that every bus on the road was equipped with emergency exits and fire safety tools. Passenger safety is non-negotiable, and our department would continue to act strictly against violators, the official said. During the drive, several private buses holding All India Tourist Permits were found violating permit conditions by operating as stage carriages. Such operators were also booked for non-payment of State road tax, according to the officials. To prevent inconvenience to passengers after vehicle seizures, the department coordinated with the Bengaluru Metro Transport Corporation, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation, and other private operators to arrange free transportation for commuters to their destinations. KSRTC begins awareness campaign on banned items Meanwhile, the KSRTC has taken additional steps to enhance safety. Following the Kurnool incident, the KSRTC has started public announcements and awareness campaigns through Digital Information Displays at major bus stations. The videos warn passengers against carrying flammable and banned items like firecrackers, diesel, or gas cylinders inside buses. The KSRTC has recently also launched a comprehensive safety audit of its fleet. Depot-level teams have begun inspecting buses for compliance with fire safety standards, focusing on emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and first-aid kits.
