UT Enforcement Squad Cracks Down on Overloading in Smart City Buses and Trucks 6 Licences Suspended

UT Squad conducts checks at Jehangir Chowk, Bemina, Narbal on Transport Commissioner’s directions

Srinagar, May 13 : The UT Level Enforcement Squad, led by Mubashir Jan, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), launched a special inspection drive across Main locations in the Smart City corridor and adjoining routes on Wednesday. Directed by the Transport Commissioner, the operation targeted persistent violations like passenger overloading in buses a major safety hazard blamed squarely on operators and drivers flouting capacity limits for profit.

The drive covered high traffic spots including Jehangir Chowk, Bemina, and Narbal, focusing on overloaded passenger buses within Smart City limits, trucks and goods carriers exceeding weight norms, route permit verification, vehicle fitness checks, driving licences, and driver conduct. Enforcement was swift against unsafe vehicles obstructing traffic.

Main actions included suspending six driving licences for grave offences and booking multiple overloaded buses and trucks under the Motor Vehicles Act. Squad members also conducted on-site awareness sessions, urging drivers and operators to prioritize passenger safety amid rising accident risks from overloading.

Overloading remains a reckless practice endangering lives in our urban corridors, said a squad official, highlighting observations of goods vehicles far beyond permissible loads and congestion hotspots needing better lane discipline.

To sustain momentum, the squad recommended bolstering Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) surveillance, regular joint patrols with Traffic Police, portable weighbridges for trucks, rigorous stage carriage compliance, and public campaigns on overloading dangers.

The initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to safer roads in Kashmir division’s urban and highway networks, aiming to curb violations that fuel accidents.