Crackdown in Sirmaur: Overloaded trucks, unfit school buses fined Rs 2L
In a robust enforcement campaign aimed at curbing traffic violations, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Nahan penalised four overloaded tipper trucks and flagged two school buses operating without valid documentation. The crackdown, led by RTO Sona Chauhan, is part of an intensified drive to enforce transport norms across Sirmaur district.
The operation began when Chauhan, on her way to a meeting in Paonta Sahib, intercepted two gravel-laden tippers near Dosarka. Both vehicles were found to be grossly overloaded — carrying 51 and 43 tonnes of material respectively, far above the sanctioned limit of 21 tonnes. The violators were fined a total of Rs 1.69 lakh.
On her return journey, another truck was caught transporting gravel 15 tonnes over its permissible capacity and was fined Rs 50,000. A fourth tipper was found operating without a valid permit since 2020 and penalised Rs 15,000. Chauhan raised serious safety concerns, particularly along the steep Khajurna-Dosarka stretch. “It is alarming to think of a 53-tonne gravel load being hauled up that incline,” she remarked.
The enforcement team also scrutinised school buses and uncovered alarming lapses. One bus, belonging to a private school in Nahan, was operating with its fitness certificate expired since December 2020 and its route permit lapsed in December 2023. Token tax had not been paid since March 2021.
Another bus, owned by a private school in Dhaulakuan, was found without a valid fitness certificate since 2013. Although it had insurance valid until 2025, its route permit was missing and token tax payments were overdue since 2020. An outstanding challan of Rs 22,500 dated November 2024 was also on record. One of the buses was seized during the operation.
In total, penalties amounting to Rs 2.29 lakh were levied in a single day and further proceedings may follow for some of the violators. The department reiterated its strict stance on traffic and transport compliance. “Our teams are vigilant and we will continue to act firmly against those who flout regulations,” Chauhan asserted.
