Unveiling the Tragic Truth: Illegal Bus Operations and Safety Lapses in Lucknow's Tragedy
Unauthorized bus operation in Lucknow: Vehicle ran without a valid permit, emergency exits allegedly obstructed
In the tragic bus fire in Lucknow that claimed five lives, a harsh light has been cast on the rampant illegal activities and glaring safety breaches plaguing private bus operators.
The devastating fire exposed not only the blatant disregard for permit conditions but also the disregard for critical safety and technical norms by these illegally operating private buses posing as stage carriages.
On that fateful Thursday, two children, along with three others, lost their lives in this horrific mishap.
It seems these buses, despite having contract carriage or tourist permits, have been brazenly flouting regulations by picking up and dropping off passengers at various destinations. This long-standing practice, unchecked for years, has occurred while the UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has been struggling to cater to the demand.
In this particular case, the ill-fated bus obtained a special permit from Baghpat on May 10, valid only till May 15. The bus had previously secured temporary permits on several occasions. The bus, bearing registration number UP17 AT6372, suffered the catastrophe on the Kisan Path.
The preliminary findings suggest an electrical short circuit as the cause of the fire, but authorities are yet to determine whether the bus was transporting a group of passengers or illegally functioning as a stage carriage. A senior transport official acknowledged that buses much like this one had been flouting the rules, as hundreds of private buses-including double-deckers-operate on highways and expressways without the required stage carriage permits.
A retired additional commissioner of Road Safety offered explanations, stating that a bus with a contract carriage permit is meant for transporting a specific group of passengers from one point to another, whereas the operation as a stage carriage, picking up and dropping off passengers at various locations, is a reserved role for public buses.
However, a tourist permit may allow some flexibility, such as for sightseeing tours or pre-planned itineraries, but it cannot replace regular public transport service.
Minister Daya Shankar Singh shared that the ill-fated bus had obtained temporary or contract permits multiple times after 2023, when it initially held a national permit. Inquiries have revealed that the seating arrangement on the bus blocked the emergency exit-a clear violation of safety regulations that mandate this area to be kept clear for easy escape routes.
Authorities are investigating, and action will be taken against the guilty once the report is available. The vehicle's fitness certificate was issued without a physical inspection-a system known as 'Anywhere Fitness.' The regional inspector responsible for the vehicle inspection has been suspended.
Efforts are being made to improve safety through initiatives such as the 5E Road Safety Model and an MoU with IIT Kharagpur to study the causes of accidents and suggest improvements. However, families of the victims find little solace in such measures as buses with blocked emergency exits and questionable permits continue to secure fitness certificates. As one transport official suggested, it's not just a lapse; it may amount to complicity on the part of the authorities.
- The illegal activities and safety breaches in the transportation industry, such as the tragic bus fire in Lucknow, highlight the need for stricter regulations and enforcement in the operation of private buses.
- The incident brings concerns about education and awareness, as it appears that many private bus operators continue to flout regulations despite obtaining permits like contract carriage or tourist permits.
- In the wake of the bus fire, there is an urgent need for the environment and finance sectors to collaborate in implementing measures that ensure the safety of passengers and prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
- As the tragedy unfolds, the general-news and crime-and-justice sectors are closely monitoring the investigation, awaiting action against the guilty, and calling for accountability in the transportation industry to prevent similar incidents.
