PNS | DEHRADUN
The Transport department has dismissed allegations that the Garhwal Motor Owners Union Limited (GMOU) bus which fell into a gorge about 100 metre deep in Pauri on Sunday was old or technically unfit. The accident of the bus carrying 28 passengers of whom six died, was caused primarily by human error on the part of the driver, as claimed by the department. Considering the increasing rate of frequent accidents in mountainous areas of Uttarakhand, many have been speculating that operation of unfit buses is the main reason behind these accidents. This is the second accident within a month in which a bus fell into a gorge and claimed several lives.
On December 25, an Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC) bus plunged into a gorge in Bhimtal, Nainital district, claiming five lives. It was speculated at that time that too the bus was not suitable for operation. The bus had also reportedly exceeded its operational age limit in 2023 and should have been decommissioned as per the State regulations. The officials concerned of UTC had also stated that though there are several old buses running on the mountainous routes, all are being operated after they are declared as fit to operate by respective regional transport officers (RTOs). The fatal accident in Pauri on Sunday reignited concerns among the public regarding the safety of buses operating in Uttarakhand’s mountainous regions. However, the department clarified on Monday that neither the condition of the road nor the bus played any role in the accident as per the initial investigation. “The road was in good condition and there was nothing wrong with the bus as per our investigation so far. The driver lost control of the vehicle. He was neither drunk nor fatigued but the accident occurred due to human error,” the Pauri RTO Dwarika Prasad said. However, this assurance has done little to ease public concerns, with many questioning the thoroughness of vehicle fitness assessments and the enforcement of regulations.
While the department attributes the Pauri accident to human error, the recurring nature of such tragedies underscores the need for stricter oversight. The rising number of accidents in mountainous regions calls for better enforcement of vehicle fitness standards, rigorous driver training and improved road safety measures. Public skepticism continues to grow as these incidents highlight gaps in accountability and regulation enforcement.
