In a unique road safety initiative, judicial officers in Rajasthan left courtrooms to check luxury buses and school transport vehicles, aiming to address concerns about bus fires and passenger safety. Nine buses were seized on Wednesday, with more seizures planned for Thursday. Officials emphasized ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely even when buses are seized.
Pawan Kumar Jeenwal from the Jaipur District Legal Services Authority highlighted the seriousness of bus fire incidents, especially after tragic accidents in Phalodi and Dausa. He noted safety violations in sleeper luxury buses, such as insufficient emergency exits and tampered seat spacing. The authorities are enforcing safety standards rigorously to prevent such incidents.
Statewide inspections revealed multiple violations, leading to the seizure of nine buses and fines issued to 15 vehicles. In Jaipur, surprise checks by officials exposed safety lapses in luxury buses, including blocked emergency exits and unauthorized constructions hindering evacuation. The inspections also focused on verifying compliance with safety norms in school buses and preventing the misuse of luggage compartments.
Judicial officers, transport department officials, and traffic police collaborated in the inspections, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and taking enforcement actions against violators. The campaign initiated by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority will continue with similar checks in major transport hubs across the state to enhance passenger safety and accountability in the long-distance bus sector.
