SRINAGAR: Overloading in public transport in Srinagar is irking passengers who say that Traffic department is turning blind eye over this issue. As per the commuters, Traffic department has failed to take any action against the minibus drivers who are violating traffic rules. Due to overloading, passengers are either found hanging on the footsteps of buses or sitting on rooftops. Overloading in buses is more of a problem for women who often face inconvenience in public buses. “Drivers make frequent stops until their buses are fully overloaded,” said Rehana Jan, an employee.

“We are suffering because of overloading. Traffic cops act as a mute spectators over this issue,” said Nuzhat Farooq, a commuter “Public transport scenario is worst,” she said, adding that the main problem occurs during evening hours. “This is due to lack of adequate transport facilities due to which commuters are compelled to board overloaded buses. The administration is responsible for this whole mess,” she said. Commutes said this will continue until traffic department take serious action against the violators. According to Motor Vehicles Act, if mini Bus is found plying overloaded with passengers (in excess of the capacity mentioned in the Registration Certificate), then the driver has to pay challan under section 39/192 and 66/192 A of the M.V Act,1988. While as official at Traffic Department said that there is a shortage of public vehicles and that is the main reason of overloading. He said they challan drivers who violate rules.

KR Desk