Noida: Forty-seven buses were seized and 76 others were fined for different violations in a three-day enforcement drive. The drive — from Oct 9-11 — was conducted at key locations in Noida and Greater Noida, including Mahamaya Flyover, Sector 62, Zero Point, Dadri and Badalpur area.Assistant regional transport officer (ARTO), enforcement, Udit Narayan Pandey said, “Operation Kavach drive was aimed to crack down on buses operating illegally or without proper documents or fitness in the city.” The drive was conducted in compliance with the directives of UP govt and transport department. Officials arranged alternative buses to take passengers to their destinations.The transport department had also conducted a three-day drive between Sept 28-30 and seized 52 buses after nine people were killed in a bus fire incident on Yamuna Expressway on Sept 23.Transport department officials said that the seized buses will not be released merely upon payment of fines or penalties. “To ensure passenger safety, all the buses will undergo detailed technical inspections. The buses will be released only after being found fit and safe in accordance with automotive industry standard (AIS-119) norms,” the ARTO said. AIS-119 has been prescribed for the safety of sleeper coaches. It lays down technical requirements for them, including the design and arrangement of berths, emergency exits and other safety features. “If any bus fails to meet the prescribed standards, its registration and fitness certificate will be suspended,” Pandey said.
