Rajamahendravaram (Andhra Pradesh), April 9 Transport department officials in Andhra Pradesh seized five inter-state private buses on Thursday for violating safety norms during special inspections conducted over two days in East Godavari.
The enforcement drive was carried out to curb safety violations by all-India tourist permit buses operating to major cities such as Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
"Five inter-state private buses were seized for violating safety norms identified during inspections, including the illegal installation of additional diesel tanks and the blocking of emergency exits with luggage, posing a threat to passenger safety," an official said in a press release.
Officials inspected buses on April 8 and 9, during which five sleeper coach buses were seized.
During the inspections, authorities found that some buses lacked mandatory rear emergency doors, while others had escape hatches obstructed, in violation of prescribed safety norms. An illegally installed additional diesel tank, contravening permit conditions, was also detected.
The seized buses have been secured at the Regional Transport Authority office in Rajamahendravaram. Penalties and taxes amounting to over Rs 2.1 lakh have been imposed on the operators.
Authorities warned that strict action will be taken against private bus operators violating rules and said such inspections will be conducted regularly to ensure passenger safety.