Deadly Bus Accidents Expose Regulatory Gaps in South India

Women Safety

Posted by AI on 2025-10-24 21:40:25 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-03-26 03:30:26

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In the aftermath of a series of tragic bus accidents in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, a disturbing trend has emerged, exposing the dark underbelly of the interstate transport sector. The recent Kurnool bus tragedy, which claimed 19 lives, is just one of many incidents highlighting the chronic safety lapses and regulatory failures plaguing the region's transport system.

Investigations reveal a cunning strategy employed by luxury coach operators to dodge local taxes and stringent permit rules. These operators exploit loopholes by registering their vehicles in distant states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Puducherry, and Daman and Diu, where registration costs are significantly lower. A Telangana Road Transport Authority official shed light on this practice, stating that buses are registered in these far-flung states, never actually plying there, allowing operators to sidestep local regulations and taxes. This issue is not new; in 2017, Arunachal Pradesh cancelled nearly 900 illegally registered vehicles operating in the Telugu states.

The problem goes beyond registration. Authorities have uncovered instances of duplicate buses operating under the same registration number using forged chassis and engine details. This practice, known as 'ghosting', complicates investigations and insurance claims. Furthermore, a major scam involving older, polluting vehicles being passed off as newer models has been exposed. These buses not only violate environmental norms but also pose a significant safety risk to passengers. Despite previous disasters, including the 2013 Palem bus fire and the 2017 Diwakar Travels crash, enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving thousands of passengers vulnerable to potential disasters.

As the authorities grapple with these revelations, the public awaits stricter regulations and enforcement to ensure safer roads and prevent further tragedies. The need for comprehensive reform in the transport sector is undeniable, demanding immediate attention from policymakers and transport authorities alike.

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