FIRDOUS AHMAD
ANANTNAG, Jan 11: In a major enforcement action aimed at safeguarding passenger lives, the Office of the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO), Anantnag on last Thursday recommended suspension or cancellation of fitness certificates of two passenger vehicles after they were found violating mandatory emergency exit safety norms on National Highway-44.
According to an official press release issued by the ARTO Anantnag, the enforcement team carried out a routine inspection of passenger vehicles at Jablipora on NH-44 at around 1:15 pm. During the checking, two vehicles bearing registration numbers JK20C-9404 and JK02DR-2128 were found to be in violation of Automotive Industry Standard (AIS)-052, which governs the provision and accessibility of emergency exits in public transport vehicles.
The inspection revealed that seats had been installed over emergency exit doors, making them inaccessible during emergencies. Such alterations, officials said, pose a serious risk to passengers, particularly in situations like accidents, fires or vehicle rollovers where quick evacuation becomes critical.
“These modifications are in clear violation of Section 52 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and relevant provisions of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR),” the press release stated. Section 52 prohibits unauthorized structural alterations to vehicles, especially those that compromise safety features mandated by law.
Given the gravity of the violation, both vehicles have been recommended for suspension or cancellation of their fitness certificates, a move that would prevent them from legally operating until compliance is restored.
The ARTO Anantnag reiterated that strict adherence to AIS-052 emergency exit regulations is non-negotiable, as these safety features are designed to protect passengers in life-threatening situations. The office warned that any attempt to tamper with or block emergency exits for commercial or seating gains will invite stringent action.
“Passenger safety remains our top priority. Operators must ensure that emergency exits are kept unobstructed and fully functional at all times. Any violation will be dealt with firmly,” the ARTO office said.
The transport department has urged all vehicle owners and operators across Anantnag district to review their vehicles for compliance and avoid illegal modifications, failing which they risk heavy penalties, suspension of fitness certificates and legal action under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The drive forms part of the department’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety and ensure that public transport in Jammu and Kashmir meets national safety standards.
