Mahua Das, Dhubri, January 18, 2024 – In Gauripur, Dhubri District, a glaring issue persists as passenger buses continue to defy the Supreme Court’s ban on overloading, with the Department of Transport remaining notably silent on the matter. This violation of regulations extends beyond passenger buses to trucks, dumpers, tractors, and various vehicles transporting heavy loads.
Despite a previous intervention by the District Administration, wherein railings of buses transporting goods were cut in adherence to the Supreme Court’s directive, a recent observation reveals a resurgence of buses carrying goods with railings reinstalled on their roofs.
Compounding the problem, buses arriving from neighboring West Bengal, en route to Upper Assam regions such as Dhemaji, North Lakhimpur, Jonai, Jorhat, and Tinsukia, are frequently spotted carrying goods on their roofs. Allegedly, a syndicate is operating behind the scenes, controlling the transportation of goods in passenger buses. This syndicate is believed to be orchestrated by a gang based in Coochbehar and Boxirhat of West Bengal.
Despite daily patrols and searches conducted by the Enforcement branch of the District Transport Department, no substantive action has been taken against overloaded passenger buses. This not only flouts safety norms but also elevates the risk of accidents involving overloaded vehicles.
The residents of Gauripur express their concern and frustration, demanding that the District Commissioner and District Transport Officer take a decisive and stringent stance on this matter to ensure public safety on the roads.
