RTA, Hyderabad Traffic Police seize multiple private buses in safety crackdown

Hyderabad RTA and Traffic Police conducted surprise inspections targeting long-distance private buses, seizing several for safety violations including blocked emergency exits, expired fire extinguishers, lack of emergency hammers, and invalid permits. Officers warned strict action will continue in coming weeks.

Hyderabad: In a massive safety enforcement operation, the Road Transport Authority (RTA) and Hyderabad Traffic Police jointly and separately conducted surprise inspections across the city on Friday night and Saturday, targeting private travel buses operating on long-distance routes.

Several violations were detected, leading to the seizure of multiple vehicles and imposition of heavy penalties.

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Four special enforcement teams were deployed along the LB Nagar and Ramoji Film City routes, where two private buses were seized for serious safety lapses.

Officials said sleeper berths were found obstructing emergency exit doors, while fire extinguishers installed in the vehicles were past their expiry dates.

Shockingly, most buses lacked emergency hammers near windows, posing a severe risk to passengers in the event of a fire or accident.

One of the buses, belonging to SL Travels, was reportedly found operating without a valid road tax and permit. Another bus on the Hyderabad–Bellary route had no emergency equipment accessible to passengers.

Simultaneous checks were carried out in Kukatpally, where RTA officials scrutinized travel buses, cabs, autos, and goods trolleys. Several cases were booked for driving without a valid licence, lack of fitness certificates, and non-payment of taxes.

Officials also targeted inter-state luxury buses plying between Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Around 15 vehicles were fined for violations such as tampered emergency exits, lack of valid insurance, and overloading of passengers.

In Shamshabad’s Gagan Pahad area, five private buses from Bengaluru were seized for major irregularities. The buses belonged to Srivari Travels, Orange Travels, Saleem Travels, Shiva Travels, and Delta Travels. Authorities said most of them were operating with expired permits and without basic passenger safety equipment.

Meanwhile, in a related incident, a private bus from Bengaluru to Hyderabad met with an accident near Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday morning after hitting a truck while trying to avoid a car.

The front portion of the bus was badly damaged. However, the driver allegedly continued to drive the damaged vehicle all the way to Hyderabad.

The bus was finally intercepted by RTA teams at Aramghar crossroads and seized. It was later shifted to the Bandlaguda RTO office for a detailed mechanical inspection.

RTA officials said the joint operations will continue over the coming weeks, with particular focus on sleeper coaches, fitness certificates, and emergency preparedness of private operators.
“Passenger safety is our top priority. Operators found violating rules will face strict action, including suspension of permits,” an RTA officer said.