Srinagar, Aug 03(KNS): Reacting to the media reports about overloading in cabs in the city, the Regional Transport Officer in a meeting with transport and JKRTC officers said that such inputs are a significant concern for authorities and the passengers, which cannot be overlooked.

He said that it can compromise the safety and comfort of the passengers and increase the risk of accidents. He added that overloading can also lead to discomfort during the journey especially the female passengers who may have to share limited space with others.

The Regional Transport Officer directed the officers to intensify the inspections especially in late evening hours and ensure that public transport is available and enforce penalties for violations of passenger capacity limits. He insisted on ensuring public transport is available during the late evening hours to all the places, especially from the Lal Chowk and all major hospitals of the city.

JKRTC official stated that due to Amarnath Yatra and Independence day preparations, the bus fleet is a little stressed, however, RTO asked the officials to compensate with induction of more private vehicles on the routes, especially on Lal Chowk - Harwan route.

RTO stated that overall, addressing the issue of overloading in cabs requires a collective effort from passengers, cab operators, drivers, and authorities and requested passengers to play their part by being aware of the passenger capacity of the cabs they are traveling in and refusing to board a cab that is already overloaded. He further made a public appeal that if they encounter an overloaded cab, they can report the incident to the transport/traffic authorities to ensure that necessary actions are taken.

The Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Srinagar later also visited the Lal Chowk Taxi Stands and warned the cab operators and drivers to adhere to the prescribed passenger capacity limits set in the permit conditions. She stated that these limits are put in place to ensure passenger safety and comfort and drivers should not exceed the maximum number of passengers allowed in their vehicles under any circumstances and violation will be dealt with a serious action including suspension and cancellation of the permit.(KNS).