Sat Oct 25 14:22:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text.
Summary:
Hyderabad traffic police have launched a special enforcement drive targeting private buses operating from the city. The initiative focuses on passenger safety, vehicle fitness, and outstanding fines. Recent inspections resulted in the collection of nearly ₹1 lakh in pending fines and emphasized the importance of double drivers for long routes, functional emergency equipment, and passenger safety briefings similar to those on airlines. The drive, spurred by recent bus accidents, will be ongoing at major departure points to ensure higher safety standards and accountability among private bus operators. Vehicles lacking valid fitness certificates are being reported to the RTO for further action.
News Article:
Hyderabad Cracks Down on Private Buses in New Safety Drive
Hyderabad, October 25, 2025: In response to recent bus accidents and growing concerns about passenger safety, the Hyderabad traffic police initiated a special enforcement drive targeting private buses operating within the city. The initiative, launched Friday night, focused on ensuring vehicle fitness, verifying the presence of double drivers for long-distance routes, and collecting outstanding fines.
ACP Traffic (West Zone) K. Hariprasad spearheaded the operation, stating that inspections will now be a regular occurrence at major departure points, including Maitrivanam. During the initial Friday night check, officers inspected between 150 and 200 buses, collecting approximately ₹1 lakh in pending fines.
“Our primary goal is to ensure passenger safety,” said Hariprasad. “We are rigorously checking for mechanical fitness and verifying that essential emergency equipment, such as hammers and emergency exits, are fully functional.”
The enforcement also includes ensuring that long-distance buses have two drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Furthermore, police are urging bus operators to adopt safety practices similar to those employed by airlines, educating passengers about the location and use of emergency doors and tools.
“Just as flight attendants brief passengers on safety procedures, bus operators must inform passengers about emergency exits and the use of hammers to break windows in case of an emergency,” Hariprasad explained. “This simple awareness can make a significant difference in saving lives.”
Vehicles found to be operating without valid fitness certificates are being reported to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for further investigation and potential penalties. The renewed focus on private bus safety comes in the wake of recent incidents, including the Kurnool highway accident, prompting authorities to implement more stringent regulations and accountability within the private bus sector. Police have announced that these surprise checks will continue to ensure adherence to higher safety standards.
First Piper 