ACTING on repeated complaints about rooftop luggage and irregular passenger bus operations, the Raipur Transport Flying Squad penalised 160 buses, imposing fines totalling Rs 3,06,800 during an intensive enforcement drive. The operation was conducted under the directions of Transport Commissioner-cum-Secretary S Prakash and Additional Transport Commissioner D Ravishankar. According to the Transport Department, 49 sleeper buses were penalised Rs 2,64,000 for carrying luggage on their rooftops, a practice prohibited under transport regulations and considered hazardous to road safety. Flying Squad in-charge Chandra Kumar Sahu led inspections at the Inter-State Bus Stand, Bhatagaon, where officials checked buses for violations.

 

Teams also examined vehicle documents and verified the validity of fitness certificates and permits along major routes. Separately, 111 passenger vehicles were penalised Rs 42,800 for violations that included charging fares above government-prescribed rates, failing to display fare charts and other regulatory breaches. Sahu further said the action followed continuing complaints regarding unsafe luggage transportation and non-compliance with passenger transport regulations. “Rooftop loading poses safety risks and warned operators against disregarding prescribed norms. The inspections also focused on ensuring that passengers are charged approved fares and provided mandatory information,” he maintained.