PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
The Transport department has directed agencies concerned to establish a Joint Rotation Committee by March 15 to regulate the smooth operation of buses from Rishikesh throughout the Char Dham season. The department also directed the assistant regional transport officers of Haridwar and Rishikesh to conduct an extensive verification drive of tour and travel agencies in their regions.
In preparation for the smooth execution of the ensuing Char Dham Yatra, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of nodal officer of Char Dham Yatra and regional transport officer (Administration) of Dehradun division Sunil Sharma. During the meeting, several important aspects related to the transportation arrangements for the pilgrimage were discussed.
Sharma said that the key topics included ensuring an adequate number of buses for the Yatra, streamlining the green card system, establishing and staffing transport checkpoints and enforcing measures to curb overspeeding and overloading of vehicles. The RTO also emphasised the importance of checking drivers using breathalysers to prevent intoxicated driving and enforcing a mandatory dress code for them. Sharma said that the department also clarified the unions and agencies concerned that only vehicles meeting the necessary safety and terrain-adaptive standards will be allowed to operate on the Yatra routes. The officials also mandated that all vehicles be equipped with dustbins to maintain cleanliness and that bus fares adhere strictly to the State Transport Authority’s prescribed rates, with widespread publicity through newspapers, stickers, information boards and travel agency offices.
During the discussion, union representatives also raised several concerns and demands. These included the verification of travel agents, strict action against unauthorised vehicles, offline issuance of trip cards and an online system for temporary permits during the Yatra. They also requested that green cards be issued for 15 days to vehicles coming from other states. The unions also urged that all vehicle-related regulatory actions during the pilgrimage be coordinated exclusively by the Transport and Police departments.
Sharma said that the recurring issue where private vehicle owners park their vehicles improperly along the Yatra routes was also discussed as it often leads to traffic congestion. He said that the department will take necessary steps to address this problem. Sharma also directed the assistant regional transport officers of Haridwar and Rishikesh to conduct an extensive verification drive of tour and travel agencies in their regions. He instructed strict enforcement actions against illegally operating travel agents and unauthorised vehicles, warning of penalties under relevant legal provisions. The transport unions were given strict instructions to ensure that passengers are not overcharged under any circumstances.
Overloading of vehicles and violations of permit conditions will result in stringent action, including penalties and possible suspension of permits. Officials also issued a clear directive prohibiting private vehicles from being rented out for commercial use. Sharma said that as the Char Dham Yatra season approaches, these measures aim to streamline transportation, enhance passenger safety and ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage experience for devotees traveling to the sacred sites.
