Jaipur, Oct 16 (PTI) — Two days after 21 people were killed when a private bus caught fire near Jaisalmer, the Rajasthan transport department has launched a statewide crackdown on bus body manufacturers to check violations of safety and assembly standards, officials said on Thursday.
A detailed probe has been initiated with urgency and sensitivity, said O P Bunkar, Additional Transport Commissioner (Administration) and Joint Secretary, Transport and Road Safety Department. A team from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Jodhpur, has impounded 66 buses manufactured at Jainam Coach Crafter premises for inspection.
On Tuesday, at least 20 people were burnt alive in the bus fire in Jaisalmer, while another succumbed to severe burns at a hospital in Jodhpur on Wednesday. Following the incident, the Rajasthan government suspended two officers of Chittogarh District Transport Office for alleged negligence.
A five-member high-level committee led by the transport commissioner has been formed to examine technical and regulatory lapses. The committee includes two transport officials and two engineers from the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation. The team reached Jodhpur Wednesday night and will inspect Jaisalmer on Thursday.
The Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune, has also been invited to conduct an independent technical evaluation of the incident. The CIRT team is expected to visit Jaisalmer over the weekend and submit its report soon.
As part of the statewide inspection drive, 53 buses have already been impounded for violating bus body code standards. The transport department has urged all transport unions to cooperate fully in ensuring compliance with safety norms before operating their vehicles.
Category: Breaking News
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