900 ageing buses set to exit MP roads:Govt cracks down on 15-year-old fleet; owners argue permanent permits don’t end this way

Madhya Pradesh has 899 buses that have crossed the 15-year limit set for stage carriage vehicles. These buses are old and unsafe, yet they continue to run on major routes. After receiving the full list of such vehicles, the state government has ordered immediate action. Bus operators are now protesting the decision. Government issues strict orders Transport Secretary Manish Singh has sent a letter to Transport Commissioner Vivek Sharma.He shared the list of all 899 over-age buses and asked for urgent action.The maximum number of these old buses are in Jabalpur.Rewa division has the lowest. Operators say this sudden move is unfair.According to them, their buses had valid permits and fitness certificates when they were issued.They argue that stopping operations overnight is impractical. 35,000 buses run in the state The Transport Department says that about 35,000 buses run across MP.The Secretary wrote that the 899 buses listed have already completed 15 years.This information came from the Regional Transport Authorities of Indore, Rewa, Gwalior, Ujjain, Bhopal, Jabalpur and Sagar. Possibility of illegal operation The letter warns that these buses may still be running illegally.Since many permits are still valid on paper, there is a strong chance these vehicles are operating on routes.The Secretary said that all over-age buses must be checked.If found in service, legal action should be taken against the operators because they pose a safety risk. Rules ignored by regional officers This situation did not develop overnight.It happened because officials issued permits without following rules.Rule 77-1-A of the MP Motor Vehicles Rules 1994 states: Despite this, RTA officials issued permits without checking the age of the vehicles.As a result, 899 condemned buses are still running, risking the lives of thousands of passengers. Permits likely to be cancelled Experts say that after the Secretary’s letter, the process to cancel permits will begin.Before cancellation, notices may be issued.In some cases, operators may be allowed to replace the old bus with a new vehicle.But this option may not be given to everyone. Buses will not be removed from roads completely Transport Commissioner Vivek Sharma clarified that 15-year-old buses cannot run as stage carriages.However, they may be used for other purposes.They can run as contract carriages for transporting employees or students of private institutions and factories. They may also be hired for weddings or private events on a special seven-day permit.The only requirement is that the bus must have a valid fitness certificate. The Commissioner said that replacement applications must be made before a bus completes 15 years.No extra time will be given now.A fine of Rs 1,000 per seat will be imposed for operating a bus without a proper permit. Bus operators seek more time Bus owners say they accept the rule of removing 15-year-old stage carriage buses.They are ready to withdraw such vehicles.But they want the department to give them at least six months to replace them. Association President Govind Sharma said it takes time to get a new chassis, build the body and prepare the bus.So an immediate ban is unreasonable. Legal loophole pointed out High Court Advocate Subodh Pandey says there is no rule in the MP Motor Vehicles Rules 1949 that stops a 15-year-old vehicle from running on the road.The rule only restricts the issue of new permits. Under Section 59 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988, only the central government can fix the age of transport vehicles.So, according to him, already issued permits cannot be cancelled.