Crackdown on overloaded vehicles at Kala Amb border, heavy fines imposed

Nahan, August 30

The inter-state border between Haryana and Himachal Pradesh at Kala Amb in Sirmaur district has witnessed a significant crackdown on unsafe vehicles entering the hill state. The state Transport Department has intensified its vigilance in response to growing concerns over dangerous driving practices, particularly by tractors coming from Haryana. These vehicles, often overloaded with cargo and employing makeshift storage solutions, pose a severe risk to commuters.

Tractors, which are a common sight on highways, are typically laden with straw, cotton and other light-weight materials. To accommodate this cargo, drivers often resort to using makeshift storage made from thick fabric, which extends beyond the vehicle’s body.

This set-up covers large portions of the highway, obstructing the vision of other motorists and creating hazardous conditions that can lead to accidents.

In a recent enforcement drive, the Transport Department impounded one such tractor on the Kala Amb border. The tractor, which was found to be in violation of several road safety regulations, including the lack of a displayed registration number, was fined a hefty Rs 94,000. This action is part of a broader initiative to curb dangerous practices and ensure compliance with road safety norms.

Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Sona Chauhan, who led the operation, highlighted the dangers posed by these overloaded vehicles. “Such tractors hinder the vision of the entire highway, making it difficult for other vehicles to navigate safely. Our department has launched a special campaign to enforce traffic rules and reduce road accidents,” she stated.

The Transport Department also targeted other vehicles carrying iron rods and materials protruding dangerously from their bodies. These vehicles, too, were found to be in violation of safety norms and were promptly challaned. In this operation, two-three such vehicles were penalised for their reckless conduct on the road.

ARTO Chauhan emphasised the department’s dual approach of enforcement and awareness. “Our goal is not only to penalise those who break the rules, but also to educate drivers about the importance of adhering to traffic regulations. We conduct regular awareness campaigns to ensure that drivers understand the risks involved in such practices,” she added.

Leading to accidents

• Many tractors are typically laden with straw, cotton and other light-weight materials. To accommodate this cargo, drivers often resort to using makeshift storage made from thick fabric, which extends beyond the vehicle's body
• This set-up covers large portions of the highway, obstructing the vision of other motorists and creating hazardous conditions that can lead to accidents