Andhra bus fire tragedy sparks Telangana sweep: 54 violations found, one vehicle seized in Hyderabad

Day after Andhra bus fire kills 20, Telangana launches surprise checks across Hyderabad routes

A day after a horrific bus fire in Andhra Pradesh claimed 20 lives, the Telangana Transport Department launched a state-wide inspection of private buses entering Hyderabad, uncovering multiple rule violations and seizing one vehicle.

The surprise checks were carried out on Saturday morning across major entry points into Hyderabad. Officials issued 54 Vehicle Check Reports (VCRs) during the drive, targeting private travel operators for lapses in safety and documentation.

One bus seized for major violations

A senior transport department official told PTI that a private bus operating in the Medchal–Malkajgiri district was seized for multiple infractions — including absence of a fire extinguisher, non-payment of taxes, and transporting merchandise goods, which is not permitted under passenger permits.

“Safety cannot be compromised. The checks will continue until every private operator complies with the rules,” the official said.

Nearly 500 inter-state private travel buses run daily from Hyderabad to destinations in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, according to the department.

Minister warns operators of strict action

Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said earlier that he would soon hold discussions with his counterparts in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to coordinate road safety enforcement, given the heavy volume of inter-state travel between the three states.

He cautioned that private bus owners could face strict penalties and seizure of vehicles if they fail to maintain roadworthiness or flout statutory norms.

“Operators must ensure their buses are fit for travel and avoid overspeeding. Negligence will not be tolerated,” Prabhakar warned.

The Andhra tragedy that triggered the checks

The crackdown comes in the aftermath of the deadly bus fire near Chinnatekuru village in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, in the early hours of September 24, which left 19 passengers and a motorbike rider dead.

The private bus, carrying 44 passengers, reportedly collided with a two-wheeler before catching fire. Several passengers managed to escape, but most were trapped inside as flames engulfed the vehicle.

The tragedy sparked outrage over poor safety standards in private travel operations, prompting neighbouring states, including Telangana, to tighten enforcement.

Focus shifts to preventive safety

Officials told PTI that the ongoing inspections are part of a larger plan to audit bus fitness, fire preparedness, and driver discipline across inter-state routes. The government aims to identify repeat offenders and ensure every operating bus has essential safety equipment, including extinguishers and emergency exits.

With the festive season approaching, authorities want to reassure passengers of safe travel while sending a strong message to negligent operators.

As one senior official put it, “Tragedies like Kurnool’s shouldn’t be the reason we act—they should be the reason we never stop checking.”