Ganderbal, April 17: In a robust move to enforce transport discipline and promote road safety, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) Thursday conducted a special enforcement drive, penalising 26 vehicles and seizing several operating without valid route permits in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The crackdown, which took place at the busy Wayil–Manigam bypass, resulted in the collection of fines estimated between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000.
The drive was conducted under the directions of Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Ganderbal Wajahat Qayoom and was closely monitored by the MVD Inspector and enforcement staff.
During the inspection, MVD officials flagged multiple violations ranging from overloading, non-availability of valid registration and fitness certificates, absence of mandatory safety equipment like speedometers, and unauthorised structural modifications. Vehicles found to be operating without route permits or those in poor mechanical condition were seized on the spot.
An MVD official said: “We inspected dozens of vehicles at the naka and found widespread violations. We cannot allow unsafe vehicles to ply on public roads. Immediate challans were issued to offenders and those operating illegally were taken off the road.”
Speaking to the press, ARTO Ganderbal Wajahat Qayoom said the department was committed to enforcing the Motor Vehicles Act in both letter and spirit. “Our objective is not just to punish, but to educate and correct. These enforcement drives are necessary to prevent accidents, protect lives, and instil accountability among transport operators,” he said.
He further stated: “Those who believe they can operate without valid documents or compromise on safety standards should know we are watching, and action will be swift and strict. We are committed to upholding road discipline.”
The enforcement action was well-received by the public, particularly daily commuters and pedestrians who often complain about over-speeding and unsafe transport services. Many welcomed the move and urged the department to increase such drives. A local commuter at the site said: “We feel safer when such checks are in place. It keeps reckless drivers and poorly maintained vehicles off the roads.”
Officials confirmed that similar enforcement drives will continue in various parts of the district in the coming weeks, particularly targeting school transport, passenger vehicles, and commercial operators with repeated violations. “This is just the beginning. We are mapping high-risk areas and non-compliant operators. Let this be a warning—compliance with transport laws is not optional. Public safety comes first,” an official said.
