RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi authorities have intensified inspections of public transport vehicles to improve passenger safety. Officials are targeting vehicles that lack fire extinguishers, emergency exits or proper safety arrangements. The latest enforcement drive comes after repeated warnings to transport operators. Authorities have now made it clear that vehicles failing to meet safety standards will face legal action.
31 Public Transport Vehicles Impounded
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Traffic Police and Civil Defence jointly carried out the latest operation.
Officials inspected vehicles across several major routes in Rawalpindi. These included GT Road, Adiala Road, Chakri Road, Murree Expressway and areas near Rawat Chowk.
During the inspections, authorities impounded 31 vehicles. They also issued challans to another 27 vehicles for violating safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the relevant magistrates imposed combined fines of Rs510,000 on the violators.
The crackdown focused on vehicles operating without functional fire extinguishers. Officials also checked vehicles carrying multiple large gas cylinders or lacking emergency exits.
RTA Orders Daily Safety Inspections
Following the operation, the RTA secretary directed transport inspectors to conduct field inspections every day.
Inspectors must ensure that public transport vehicles carry modern and functional fire extinguishers. They must also check other mandatory safety requirements before allowing vehicles to operate.
The administration has increased enforcement to prevent avoidable accidents and protect passengers. Regular inspections could also pressure transport operators to address safety violations before they result in serious incidents.
Officials Warn Transport Operators
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir said passenger safety remains a major priority for the Rawalpindi administration. He also referred to the recent fire incident involving transport vehicles in Murree. The incident has further highlighted concerns surrounding fire safety in public transport.
Nasir warned that authorities would take legal action against vehicles operating without fire extinguishers.
The latest crackdown signals a tougher approach toward public transport safety in Rawalpindi. With daily inspections now ordered, transport operators will face greater pressure to maintain essential safety equipment.
Authorities are also expected to continue monitoring major routes to ensure vehicles meet safety standards. The administration aims to reduce risks for passengers by enforcing rules before dangerous incidents occur.
