The transport department in Noida is set to launch a three-day enforcement drive starting June 9, targeting buses operating under the All India Tourist Permit (AITP) that are illegally accepting seat-wise bookings through online platforms, an official confirmed on Saturday.
Buses with AITP permits are authorized to run only as contract carriages, meaning they can only pick up and drop passengers at the origin and destination points specified in the permit. However, many operators have been stopping mid-route to allow additional passengers to board, violating the terms of their permits.
The statewide campaign was ordered by Uttar Pradesh Transport Commissioner Ashutosh Niranjan, who has directed enforcement officers across the state to conduct intensive inspections on key highways and transport corridors where such violations are common.
Earlier, the Times of India reported that several sleeper buses with AITP permits were listing Sector 148 on the Noida Expressway and Zero Point on the Yamuna Expressway as pick-up or drop locations on private booking websites, which is not permitted under their license conditions.
Dr. Udit Narayan, the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (Enforcement) in Noida, explained that as part of the enforcement drive, RTO officials will be deployed round-the-clock at all major routes and toll plazas, including the Jewar toll plaza and the Yamuna Expressway. “Strict action will be taken against buses found violating permit conditions by operating like stage carriages through online seat-wise bookings,” he told TOI.
Enforcement officials have been instructed to ensure alternative arrangements for stranded passengers in case vehicles are impounded. Impounded vehicles will be parked at Roadways depots or workshops, and RTO officials will physically inspect the buses. If the buses fail to meet prescribed standards, further action may be initiated against them.
Narayan noted that enforcement action against such buses has already begun. “In May, 242 buses were checked and penalised. Around Rs. 1 lakh was collected as penalties, while outstanding vehicle taxes worth nearly Rs. 67 lakh were recovered,” he said.
The drive aims to curb the misuse of AITP permits and ensure that bus operators comply with regulations, thereby enhancing passenger safety and legal compliance.
