The State Motor Vehicle Department has reversed its initial stringent directive, which had mandated the installation of seatbelts and surveillance cameras in all heavy vehicles, including buses, starting from November 1. In response to a strike called by private bus operators who demanded the withdrawal of the order, the department issued a revised order clarifying that only vehicles presented for fitness examination after November 1 would need to adhere to the new requirements.
The decision to modify the order was reportedly influenced by the department’s realization that enforcing these provisions across the state-run Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would be challenging. Initially, the directive mandated that drivers and front-seat passengers in all heavy vehicles, including both KSRTC and private buses, must wear seat belts starting from November 1.
Instead of uniformly applying the requirements to all heavy vehicles, the revised order specifies that it will be effective from the following day. This means that the order is only applicable to vehicles undergoing fitness testing, and no heavy vehicle will receive a fitness certificate unless it is equipped with seatbelts and surveillance cameras, as clarified in the new order. It is worth noting that KSRTC, facing significant financial challenges, has informed the department of its inability to secure the necessary funds on short notice to comply with the updated regulations. Consequently, the implementation of seatbelts and surveillance cameras in all heavy vehicles is expected to take several months. Additionally, the department issued an order extending the maximum period for diesel autorickshaws to transition to green fuels to 22 years.
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