Munish Sood
MANDI: As Himachal Pradesh witnesses a heavy influx of tourists during the peak summer season, enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to ensure compliance with transport and passenger safety norms.
In a significant overnight operation, the Flying Squad of the Kullu Regional Transport Office (RTO) issued challans to over 100 vehicles — including Volvos, tourist coaches and passenger buses — and collected Rs 2.72 lakh in fines on the spot.
The operation, conducted on the bustling Mandi-Pandoh route, was aimed at curbing the rising trend of safety and permit violations that often accompany the seasonal surge in tourism.
The RTO teams set up checkpoints near Vindravani and later at Pandoh, screening vehicles through the night.
Traffic violations under scanner
According to Traffic Inspector Hemant Sharma, several vehicles were found violating critical regulations — some lacked valid permits, others operated without high-security number plates. The team also discovered buses equipped with pressure horns and unauthorised modified lighting systems. A number of vehicles were running without pollution certificates or tax compliance.
“More than 100 vehicles were booked for various violations,” said Sharma. “Those who paid their fines on the spot were allowed to proceed, while others have been issued challans and instructed to appear at the office.”
Tighter monitoring amid tourist influx
With thousands of tourists making their way to Himachal’s hills each day, especially to destinations like Kullu, Manali and Mandi, the roads are witnessing a high density of private and commercial tourist vehicles. Authorities say that the pressure on transport infrastructure often leads to operators cutting corners — compromising both safety and legality.
“This crackdown is part of our broader effort to ensure that tourists can travel safely and that transport operators adhere strictly to the rules,” Inspector Sharma emphasised. “During the tourist season, we increase the frequency and intensity of such checks.”
Regular checks to continue throughout tourist season
The RTO has confirmed that such surprise inspections will be conducted regularly throughout the season. The aim is not only to penalise violators but also to send a clear message that any disregard for transport and safety norms will attract immediate and strict action.
