UPSRTC suspends bus operations from 8pm to 8am due to fog

Local officials will, however, have the flexibility to allow bus operations in the night if there is no fog on a particular night

The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has decided to not operate its buses between 8pm and 8am in view of an increasing number of road accidents due to poor visibility caused by dense fog these days.

Many road accidents were reported in Uttar Pradesh due to fog in the last few days. (For Representation)

Local officials will, however, have the flexibility to allow bus operations in the night if there is no fog on a particular night but will ensure that buses stop midway at the nearest bus station, dhaba, police station, petrol pump and toll plaza etc as soon as dense fog sets in and they move on only after the fog thins out.

The corporation has also closed online booking of its buses for a month. UPSRTC managing director Sanjay Kumar on Tuesday issued directions in this regard to all the regional and assistant regional managers who have been asked to take similar other measures to ensure safe operation of buses.

Earlier, minister of state for transport (independent charge) Daya Shankar Singh asked the corporation management to take appropriate steps to avoid accidents involving UPSRTC buses due to fog.

“The bus operation will remain closed from 8 in the night to 8 in the morning or till the fog thins out. However, this will be done in a planned manner so that passengers do not have to face convenience,” Kumar said.

He clarified that there was no blanket ban on operation of buses in the night and decision in this regard would be taken by local officials on a day-to-day basis depending on the fog situation in their region. Regional managers and ARMs have also been told to camp at bus stations in the night to ensure compliance of directions.