Sipu Jha
VIJAYAWADA: The ill-fated Kaveri Travels bus that caught fire near Chinnatekuru on Friday, killing around at least 20 passengers, had a long record of traffic violations despite holding valid fitness and insurance certificates.The Scania bus (registration number DD01N9490) was owned by Vemuri Kaveri Travels and operated by Vemuri Vinod Kumar of Rayagada, Odisha. Officials said the vehicle was originally purchased on 2 May 2018 and registered in Daman and Diu on 8 August 2018, before being re-registered with Rayagada RTO on 29 April 2025.
Records show the bus had a base tourist permit issued by the Odisha authorities, valid from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2030, and an All India Tourist Permit (AITP) from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, valid until 31 July 2026.The fitness certificate, issued in Silvassa (Daman and Diu), remains valid until 31 March 2027, while road tax has been paid up to 31 March 2026. The bus was insured with New India Assurance Company Ltd., valid until 20 April 2026.
Despite these valid documents, officials said the vehicle had been a frequent traffic violator, with 16 challans recorded in Telangana alone, amounting to Rs 23,000 in unpaid fines.Preliminary findings indicate the fire broke out after the bus collided with a motorcycle, causing the fuel tank to explode.
English 
हिन्दी