KATRA: A special enforcement drive was conducted today at Katra under the directions of Transport Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan and under the guidance of Regional Transport Officer Pankaj Bhagotra to curb violations of the Motor Vehicles Act (MV Act) and associated rules.
The focus of the drive was on three-wheeler auto-rickshaws, which were found overcharging passengers and indulging in overloading.
The Auto Rickshaw drivers and owners were strictly instructed not to overcharge passengers or overload their vehicles. A meeting was also held with the Auto Rickshaw Union President and Vice President, along with vehicle owners and drivers, at Railway Station Katra, Katra Bus Stand and Banganga Auto Stand.
During the drive, ARTO (Flying Squad) emphasized strict adherence to traffic norms and MV Act rules, including prohibition of overcharging and overloading,
They were asked to follow mandatory wearing of uniforms along with name plates, keep vehicle documents updated, behave properly with passengers, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol or contraband substances.
As part of the enforcement, around 400 vehicles were checked, and 33 were e-challaned for various violations, including 15 for overcharging.
Additionally, one vehicle was seized for lacking fitness and kept at Katra Police Station. The expected fine from e-challans amounts to Rs. 46,400.
The enforcement team included MVI Jasbir Singh and MVTA Taranjot Singh, under the supervision of ARTO (Flying Squad) Bipen Singh Charak.
Furthermore, another enforcement Flying Squad comprising NHW Pawan Sharma conducted road checking with SMVI Amanish Sharma on the Jammu-Katra National Highway, booking violators under various provisions of the MV Act and rules. More than 90 vehicles were checked, out of which 21 vehicles were e-challaned for different offenses. Additionally, one Tata 207 Load Carrier was seized for lacking fitness and kept at Police Post Nomian. The expected fine from these e-challans amounts to Rs 79,900.
This initiative in and around Katra and NH 44 plays a vital role in ensuring passenger safety, preventing overcharging, and maintaining transport discipline. Strict enforcement of MV Act regulations will help streamline public transport operations, benefiting both locals and pilgrims.
