Haryana — In a bid to streamline road transport and ensure better passenger facilities, Haryana’s Transport Minister Anil Vij recently announced several crucial measures aimed at improving bus services, passenger safety, and the regulation of private vehicles. These directives came after a high-level meeting with transport department officials where Minister Vij outlined a series of strong actions to tackle issues related to vehicle permits, bus safety, and driver behavior.
Haryana Transport Minister shares Key Decisions from the Meeting:
1. Crackdown on Unregistered Vehicles:
Minister Vij made it clear that any vehicle operating without proper registration or permits will be immediately seized. This includes both government and private buses. The directive also emphasized that no vehicle, whether public or private, should operate without valid permits, particularly those bypassing official check-ins.
2. Private Dhabas and Unauthorised Stops to Be Banned:
The minister also raised concerns about the practice of buses making unscheduled stops at private dhabas (roadside eateries). These stops often force passengers to purchase food or beverages at inflated prices. To address this, Vij announced plans for better monitoring of bus stands and raised the issue of illegal practices where water taps at bus stops are damaged, forcing passengers to buy water from nearby vendors.
3. Improvement in Passenger Amenities:
The meeting focused heavily on improving passenger experience at bus stands. Vij stressed that bus stands should be equipped with clean drinking water, proper seating arrangements, lighting, and fans for passenger comfort. He also mentioned that regular checks would be conducted to ensure these amenities are available and well-maintained.
4. Digital App for Monitoring Bus Timings and Locations:
In a move towards digital transformation, the transport minister proposed the development of a digital app to track bus timings and locations, similar to systems used by railways. The app would provide real-time updates on when buses are arriving, their current location, and their expected arrival times at destinations. This app will also help the department monitor buses to ensure they are following designated routes.
5. Private Bus Accountability:
Private buses, often found to be skipping designated routes, will also be required to comply with new digital tracking systems. Minister Vij stressed that strict action will be taken against buses that fail to follow their assigned routes, particularly in rural areas where passengers face significant inconveniences.
6. Health Checks for Drivers and Staff:
Minister Vij also outlined plans for regular health check-ups for bus drivers and conductors in collaboration with the Health Department. He emphasized that regular fitness assessments should be mandatory for all transport staff, ensuring that drivers and conductors are in good health and capable of performing their duties safely.
7. Improvement in Bus Stand Maintenance:
In addition to improving facilities, the meeting also highlighted the importance of proper maintenance at bus stands. Minister Vij directed that any necessary repairs or upgrades to bus stations in the state should be carried out immediately. He called for a comprehensive inspection of all bus stands to ensure that they meet the required standards of cleanliness and maintenance.
8. Food Safety Checks:
The transport Minister Vij also proposed introducing regular food safety checks at bus stations, similar to the ones carried out at railway stations. A dedicated team would oversee the quality of food being sold to passengers, ensuring that all food products meet health and safety standards.
9. New Digital Monitoring Tools:
To ensure that these measures are implemented effectively, Vij instructed that GPS devices be installed in all buses to track their movements in real-time. This system will also help authorities check if buses are adhering to their schedules and routes, with strict penalties for those found violating these regulations.
The announcements made by Transport Minister Anil Vij are expected to bring about significant improvements in both the safety and comfort of passengers using Haryana’s public transport system. The proposed measures will ensure that transport staff adhere to regulations, bus stands are adequately maintained, and that passengers are provided with essential services such as clean water, food safety, and efficient travel information.
As the state moves forward with these reforms, the transport department will also continue to monitor the implementation of these new guidelines closely, ensuring that the changes bring tangible benefits to the public.
These measures come at a crucial time as the Haryana transport system, particularly its bus services, is looking to improve both passenger experience and operational efficiency. The introduction of digital tools and more stringent regulations for private vehicles is expected to address several long-standing issues faced by commuters.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and the impact of these new reforms on Haryana’s transport infrastructure.