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Telangana's Stern Warning: Private Bus Operators Face Murder Charges

Telangana's Transport Minister issued a strong warning to private bus operators following a tragic fire accident. He stated that operators could face murder charges for negligence in vehicle maintenance. The minister emphasized strict enforcement of speed limits to prevent such incidents. A coordinated meeting with neighboring states will address interstate travel safety measures.

Key Points: Telangana Transport Minister Warns Private Bus Operators

  • Operators face murder charges for vehicle fitness negligence
  • Speed limit enforcement to prevent highway accidents
  • Three-state transport ministers meeting planned soon
  • Probe ordered into Andhra bus fire that killed 19 passengers
2 min read

Private bus operators flouting rules will face strict action, warns Telangana Transport Minister

After Andhra bus fire kills 19, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar warns operators of murder charges for negligence. Speed limits and vehicle fitness checks enforced.

"Don't play with the lives of people - Ponnam Prabhakar"

Hyderabad, Oct 24

After the bus fire accident in Andhra Pradesh killed 19 people, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar warned private bus operators that strict action will be taken against them if they violate transport rules.

He said if the travel operators were found negligent on the fitness of vehicles, insurance and in other matters, they will be booked for murder and sent to jail.

The minister asked travel operators to follow rules and adhere to the speed limit.

"Don’t play with the lives of people," he told them.

Nineteen passengers were charred to death when the bus caught fire after hitting a two-wheeler near Chinnatekur on the outskirts of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Friday.

The bus belonging to V Kaveri Travels had 43 people, including two drivers, on board.

He said in a statement that the bus involved in the accident was registered in Odisha and was operating between Hyderabad and Bengaluru.

The minister said that if the Transport Department conducts daily checks, the travel operators complain of harassment.

Terming Friday's accident as unfortunate, he said that a probe has been ordered.

He said all necessary steps would be taken to prevent such accidents in future.

Stating that thousands of people travel between Hyderabad and Bengaluru via Andhra Pradesh, he said a meeting of transport ministers and transport commissioners of all three states would be held soon to discuss measures to prevent accidents. "Speed limit prevents accidents, and we will ensure strict enforcement of such regulations," he said.

Ponnam Prabhakar cited the speed limit rules enforced on Tirupati ghat roads. He said that at entry and exit points, the authorities concerned record the time to monitor the speed limit of vehicles in both directions.

He stressed the need for a similar system for bus operating between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Tirupati, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So heartbreaking to read about the 19 lives lost. My cousin travels this route every month for work. These operators must be held accountable for negligence. Safety should be non-negotiable. 🙏
S
Sarah B
The speed monitoring system like Tirupati ghat roads is a good idea, but will it be implemented properly? We've seen many good announcements that never translate to ground reality. Hope this time it's different.
A
Arjun K
Why was a bus registered in Odisha operating between Hyderabad and Bangalore? This shows how operators find loopholes in the system. Need better coordination between state transport departments.
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Kavya N
As someone who lost a friend in a bus accident last year, I fully support the minister's stance. Operators complain about harassment during checks, but what about the harassment families face when they lose loved ones due to their negligence?
M
Michael C
Good initiative, but regular enforcement is key. We need surprise checks not just on paper but on ground. Also, passengers should be more aware and report unsafe practices. Safety is everyone's responsibility.

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