Himachal Pradesh: CM Virbhadra Singh warns bus operators against overloading

Shimla: A day after 25 persons were killed in a bus mishap in Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday warned bus operators against overloading, saying licence and route permits of operators indulging in the practice will be cancelled.

Singh, who visited hospitals in Ghumarwin and Bilaspur to inquire about the well being of the passengers injured in the mishap in Bilaspur district yesterday, said the government will ensure that buses, whether private or of HRTC, do not carry passengers beyond the seating capacity.

If any such instance is reported, strict action will be taken against the defaulters for causing danger to the lives of the people, he said. "No one will be allowed to flout traffic norms and action will be initiated against such people as per law," he said, adding that regional transport officers will be directed to keep a check on overloading in buses.

At least 25 persons drowned and 17 others went missing after a bus fell into the Gobind Sagar reservoir in Rayian near Bilaspur on Wednesday. To a question on overloading in private buses, Singh said the inspection wing of HRTC and Transport Department will be strengthen to keep a tab on private operators flouting traffic norms.

The Chief Minister said that the entire cost of treatment of the persons injured in the mishap will be borne by the government which will also make arrangements for the kin of the deceased to visit Haridwar for the last rites.

Reacting to reported remarks of former chief minister PK Dhumal that accidents are taking place due to bad condition of roads, Singh said, "It is not that accidents are taking place during the Congress rule, such mishap had been occuring during the BJP regime also."

"No one takes his (Dhumal's) statements seriously, not even the inner coterie of BJP," he said. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said an ayurveda hospital will be constructed in Ghumarwin if adequate land is available. He also assured to take up with the National Highway Authority of India the issue of constructing a pedestrian path along the NH in Ghumarwin town.