Ajay Sharma
Reasi/Sunder Bani: In an apparent oblivious approach of the concerned authorities, alleged unchecked overloading on Deval-Hathal-Pouni-Bambla has been a cause of safety hazard.
According to sources, the Devak-Hathal-Pouni-Bambla route, a vital link for local commuters, has become a safety hazard due to rampant overloading and unregulated transport operations.
“Despite repeated warnings and prior reports highlighting the issue, no significant action has been taken by the concerned authorities,” said sources, adding that the vehicles operating on this route, such as Magic Tempos, autos, and mini-buses, are grossly overloaded beyond their capacities.
For instance, vehicles designed to carry 12-15 passengers often carry more than double the capacity, risking the lives of commuters, including school children.
“On several stops between Pouni and Sunderbani, under aged boys are seen precariously clinging to the sides or sitting on the roofs of these vehicles,” said source, adding that the lack of enforcement from traffic authorities has emboldened drivers, some of whom are often seen speaking on mobile phones while driving.
“The safety of passengers, especially students, is blatantly ignored. It feels like an accident waiting to happen,” said sources.
Meanwhile, parents and teachers have expressed deep concern as winter sets in, increasing the risk of children slipping or losing grip while holding onto the vehicles’ stairs or roofs.
“Notwithstanding these dangers, routine checks by the traffic police and transport officials remain infrequent, with inspections reported once every 15 days or even less, ” maintained sources.
Speaking anonymously, a transport officer admitted, “We know overloading happens, and vehicles without proper documents ply these roads, but we are limited by systemic issues.”
Locals have requested higher authorities, including the LG administration and senior officials from the Transport and Traffic Police departments, to intervene.
“If no action is taken now, accidents are inevitable, and lives will be lost,” warned locals, adding that they have already brought matter to the notice of senior transport officers, but nothing substantial has been done so far.
