Cargo transport in private buses raises safety alarm in Hyderabad
Several private buses operating from Hyderabad are allegedly transporting commercial goods in violation of motor vehicle rules, raising safety concerns. The Transport Department has intensified enforcement ahead of upcoming festivals to curb overloading, overspeeding and other illegal practices.
Hyderabad: Several private buses which are supposed to be used to transport passengers to neighbouring States and districts are allegedly being widely misused to transport tonnes of commercial goods, in violation of the Motor Vehicle rules, raising serious concerns over passenger safety.
Private buses operating from Hyderabad to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh, including Kakinada, Machilipatnam, Eluru, Tirupati, Srikalahasti, Rajahmundry, Kadapa, Kurnool, Visakhapatnam, Narsipatnam and other places, are allegedly being used to transport tonnes of commercial goods in violation of motor vehicle rules.
Transport Department sources said several private buses departing from Hyderabad are reportedly carrying large quantities of electronic items, accessories, garments, fertilisers, iron materials and other goods, often exceeding permissible limits.
Despite low passenger occupancy, especially after the Dasara and Diwali festivals, these buses continue operations mainly due to income from cargo transport, even with occupancy levels as low as 50 per cent.
As per Motor Vehicles Act norms, private buses are permitted to travel at a maximum speed of 80 kmph on highways. However, experts allege that many buses, overloaded with both passengers and heavy luggage, are being driven at speeds exceeding 120 kmph to reach destinations quickly.
“This excessive speed, combined with overloading, makes it difficult for drivers to control vehicles during emergencies, increasing the risk of accidents,” said a senior Transport Department official.
It has also been observed that while regulations mandate two drivers for long-distance bus services, several buses are operating with only one driver, leading to fatigue, stress and reduced alertness.
Officials have repeatedly stated that overspeeding remains a major cause of fatal bus accidents.
Ahead of Christmas, New Year and the upcoming Sankranti festival, the Transport Department has intensified action against private buses illegally transporting commercial goods along with passengers, citing serious threats to road and passenger safety.
Hyderabad Joint Transport Commissioner C Ramesh said special enforcement teams have been formed across Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy and Medchal districts to curb illegal operations by private buses.
It is learnt that around 1,000 private buses operate daily from Hyderabad to destinations across the Telugu states as well as cities like Bengaluru and Chennai.
Officials further pointed out that many buses operating on national permits under tourist or pilgrim categories are illegally functioning like stage carriages, picking up and dropping passengers en route.
The unchecked use of high-voltage electrical equipment and transportation of hazardous electronic goods pose a serious fire risk, endangering passenger lives.
Safety advisory to check illegal merchandise transport:
*Mandatory pre-departure inspections of luggage compartments and roof carriers.
*Ban on commercial consignments in passenger buses, except for permitted personal luggage.
*Sealing and verification of luggage boxes at terminals to prevent mid-route loading.
*Random highway checks using mobile enforcement squads.
*Ensuring two-driver compliance and strict monitoring of driving hours.
*Installation of speed governors and GPS tracking to curb overspeeding.
*Awareness campaigns for passengers to report suspicious cargo or unsafe practices.
