Rapid economic growth in Kamrup and Guwahati has spurred overloading of commercial vehicles, posing severe risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment
The rapid economic growth and infrastructure development in Kamrup district and Guwahati, has led to a significant increase in commercial vehicle activity in the region. However, this growth has come at a cost, as the district's roads are increasingly plagued by overloaded commercial vehicles, posing serious risks to public safety, infrastructure, and the environment.
The menace of overloading has become a norm in Kamrup, with trekkers, magic vans and transporters prioritising profits over safety and adhering to regulations. The consequences are far-reaching, and the situation demands immediate attention from authorities and stakeholders.
During our visit to the roads in Guwahati, we observed vehicles grossly overloaded with passengers, exceeding their original capacity. This prompted us to visit the District Transport Office, Kamrup, to inquire about this pressing issue. We posed the following question to the officials in charge: "As you are aware, commercial vehicles often exceed the seating capacity of passengers by far, putting the lives of people on the road at risk. As someone concerned with this department, is there anything you can do about this issue?"
The A.C.T, DTO & Secretary, RTA, Ms. Tasnim Aftam of Kamrup Metro, responded, "When they apply for a new permit, the vehicle is in a brand new state. The issue of overloading is something that is enforced on the road and cannot be addressed at the office. That is taken care of by the enforcement department and also by the traffic police, who issue challans, impose fines, and seize vehicles when violations of regulations are found. There are various sections under the law through which we can impose penalties on those found guilty of overloading commercial vehicles."
When we approached the DTO Enforcement Officer, Sri Gautam Das, to inquire about the issue, he mostly delegated the questions and only stated, "We have registered cases, and they are being taken care of." It appears that the DTO enforcement department is more inclined to delegating questions rather than answering them. This is concerning, as when accidents occur due to overloading of passengers, they are the ones who are supposed to be held responsible.
Several factors contribute to overloading in Kamrup district. The high demand for goods transportation, inadequate enforcement of regulations, lack of awareness among transporters and drivers, and insufficient infrastructure for weight checking have all played a role in perpetuating this dangerous practice.
When we reached out to the drivers of trekkers and other commercial vehicles at the grassroots level to understand the reasons behind overloading from their perspective, one of them explained, "To make ends meet, we sometimes take more passengers than the seating capacity allows, to earn a little extra money. We have to support our families and feed them as well."
When asked if they follow traffic rules and are aware that overloading can lead to fines by law, one of the truck drivers responded, "If we knew about the law, we wouldn't be driving trekkers and autos for a living. No one wants to do this, but there's no other resort. I can't find any other jobs, so I have to make the best of what's available."
Consequences of Overloading
The risks associated with overloaded commercial vehicles are numerous. The increased weight puts additional pressure on the vehicle's brakes, leading to a higher risk of accidents and fatalities. Moreover, the excessive weight damages roads and bridges, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. The environmental impact is also significant, as overloaded vehicles emit more pollutants, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Corruption and bribery continue to hinder effective enforcement, and a lack of resources and infrastructure remains a significant obstacle. To effectively address overloading, enhanced enforcement and surveillance are necessary, along with increased public awareness and education. Improved infrastructure and facilities, such as dedicated weight stations and improved road signage, are also essential.
Collaboration with transport associations and stakeholders is crucial in addressing overloading. By working together, we can create a safer and more responsible transportation industry that prioritises safety and adheres to regulations.
Conclusion
The overloading of commercial vehicles in Guwahati and Kamrup district, is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. By understanding the causes, consequences, and solutions, we can work together to ensure safer roads, reduced environmental impact, and a more responsible transportation industry. It is time for us to join forces and combat overloading to create a better future for the region.
