5,000 Daily Passengers from MP Exploit Wedding Permits in Nagpur
Around 5,000 passengers from Madhya Pradesh enter Nagpur daily using one-day permits intended for wedding parties, raising concerns over transport regulations.
5,000 passengers from MP enter Nagpur daily via 50 buses.
Operators misuse one-day permits for regular transport.
Transport authorities face challenges in monitoring compliance.
In Nagpur, approximately 5,000 passengers from Madhya Pradesh arrive daily on over 50 private buses that allegedly misuse one-day permits designed for marriage parties and picnics. This practice allows these vehicles to circumvent restrictions on interstate transport for buses older than five years, regardless of the wedding season or auspicious dates.
Sources indicate that buses under five years old can secure all-India permits, enabling them to operate across state lines under specific conditions. However, once a vehicle surpasses the five-year threshold, operators encounter limitations that hinder their ability to operate in Maharashtra with standard permits. An official noted that this regulatory framework has led some operators to exploit the system by acquiring one-day permits for transporting wedding guests or picnic groups, which are then used to facilitate regular passenger transport to Nagpur.
Reports suggest that around 50 buses travel daily between various locations in Madhya Pradesh and Nagpur, each carrying a significant number of passengers. The total daily influx is estimated at about 5,000 individuals, arriving from areas such as Mandla, Dindori, and Amarkantak. While many passengers are migrant laborers, the buses also cater to traders, students, tourists, and casual visitors.
Allegations have surfaced regarding operators not accurately declaring the number of passengers on board. A source mentioned that the information provided during permit applications is often misleading, allowing buses to exceed the declared passenger limits. The extent of these discrepancies remains to be verified by transport authorities, raising concerns about how permits are issued by the RTO in Madhya Pradesh and the effectiveness of checks at the Khawasa border.
The misuse of one-day permits has highlighted the urgent need for stricter monitoring of vehicle eligibility, passenger declarations, and the true purpose of interstate travel. Kiran Bidkar, the Nagpur Regional Transport Officer, stated that inspections are regularly conducted, and action is taken against violators, emphasizing the department's commitment to enforcing transport regulations.
