Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram bus delayed for hours; fined Rs 10,000 for denying luggage space to passengers

Alappuzha: An inter-state bus that allegedly caused inconvenience to passengers by failing to provide space for their luggage despite charging exorbitant fares during the Diwali rush was intercepted by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). The A-One bus, operating on the Bengaluru-Thiruvananthapuram route, was stopped by Alappuzha enforcement officials near Haripad on Saturday afternoon. A fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed for the violation, after which the bus was allowed to continue its journey.

The bus was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at 5 pm on Friday but left two hours late. It was expected to reach Thiruvananthapuram by 7 am on Saturday. However, even by Saturday afternoon, it had not crossed Alappuzha district.

The delay was initially caused by the loading of flowers and electronic goods at various locations in Tamil Nadu. These items were subsequently unloaded at different points along the route, causing further delays.

The bus staff instructed passengers to keep their luggage under their seats, leaving them frustrated. The passengers then contacted Transport Commissioner Spurjan Kumar over the phone to report the issue.

The Commissioner directed Alappuzha Enforcement RTO M.G. Manoj to inspect the bus. Following this, a team comprising Manoj, Motor Vehicle Inspector Shibu, and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors Sunil Kumar, Praveen Raj and Sujith pursued and intercepted the vehicle.

The RTO said complaints of such violations were widespread and that inspections would be intensified.