The Rewa traffic police have decided to launch a strict enforcement campaign against overloaded auto rickshaws operating across the city. Officials said the special drive will begin from Friday, and auto drivers found carrying passengers beyond the permitted seating capacity will face heavy penalties, including fines of up to Rs 5,000.

The move comes amid increasing complaints regarding overcrowded passenger autos on major city routes. Traffic officials stated that several auto rickshaws have been found carrying nearly double the allowed number of passengers, creating serious risks for commuters and affecting traffic management within the city. According to the traffic department, repeated violations of passenger safety norms forced authorities to adopt stricter measures. Officials said overloaded autos have become a common sight in busy markets, school routes and residential areas, especially during peak travel hours.

On Wednesday, the traffic police conducted an awareness campaign in different parts of Rewa city and interacted with auto drivers regarding road safety rules. During the drive, officials warned operators against carrying extra passengers and instructed them to strictly follow vehicle capacity limits. Traffic personnel reportedly stopped several autos during the campaign and explained the dangers associated with overloading. Drivers were informed that leniency shown in previous weeks would no longer continue and strict challan action would begin from Friday.

Police officials stated that overloading not only violates transport regulations but also significantly increases the possibility of road accidents. Authorities pointed out that overcrowded vehicles become difficult to control, particularly on narrow roads and congested intersections. Officials further said passengers travelling in overloaded autos often face discomfort and safety risks due to lack of proper seating arrangements. In many cases, passengers, including school children, are seen hanging near the entry points of vehicles or sitting in unsafe positions during travel.

The traffic department believes the situation has become a matter of public safety and requires immediate intervention. Officers said overloaded autos also slow down traffic movement and contribute to congestion in crowded parts of the city. According to officials, special checking points will be set up across important traffic routes from Friday onward. Traffic teams will inspect passenger autos and verify whether drivers are following the prescribed seating limits.

Authorities confirmed that violators would face financial penalties under traffic and transport regulations. In serious or repeated cases, additional legal action may also be considered against drivers who continue ignoring safety norms. The administration clarified that the campaign is not aimed at troubling auto operators but at ensuring safer public transport for residents. Officials appealed to drivers to cooperate with the enforcement teams and avoid violating passenger capacity rules.

Several residents welcomed the move and said overloaded autos have become a growing problem in Rewa city. Daily commuters claimed that during rush hours many drivers continue taking extra passengers to maximise earnings despite the risks involved. Parents of school-going children also expressed concern regarding student safety. Some residents alleged that children are frequently transported in overcrowded autos without proper safety precautions, especially during school opening and closing hours.

Local transport observers believe the campaign could improve discipline among passenger vehicle operators if implemented consistently. They said earlier enforcement drives often slowed down after a few days, allowing violations to resume. Traffic experts noted that strict implementation of passenger safety norms is essential in rapidly growing cities where public transport demand continues to rise. They added that overcrowding in small passenger vehicles not only endangers lives but also affects overall urban traffic management.

Meanwhile, traffic police officials stated that awareness activities would continue alongside enforcement measures. Drivers will be educated regarding traffic rules, passenger safety standards and legal penalties linked to overloading violations. Authorities also appealed to passengers not to encourage unsafe travel practices by boarding overcrowded autos. Officials said public cooperation would play a major role in making the campaign successful.

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Sehore Boat Safety Violations Raise Alarm at Babri Ghat

Sehore boat safety violations come under scrutiny as overloaded vessels ferry people and vehicles without life jackets or basic safeguards

Unsafe boat operations at Babri Ghat in Sehore have triggered fresh concerns, with visuals and local accounts pointing to widespread violations of basic safety norms. Boats at the river crossing are reportedly carrying far more passengers than permitted, along with tractors, cars and motorcycles—often in the same trip.

The issue has drawn attention in the wake of recent water-related accidents elsewhere in the state, but on the ground, little appears to have changed until now.

Overloading on display

At Babri Ghat, boats are being used as multipurpose carriers. Eyewitnesses said it is common to see passengers packed tightly alongside heavy vehicles, with operators prioritising volume over safety. The practice not only exceeds capacity limits but also increases the risk of imbalance midstream.

There are no visible checks at the boarding point, and passengers are left to board at their own discretion. Morning and late afternoon hours reportedly see the heaviest rush.

Missing safety measures

Equally worrying is the absence of basic safety equipment. None of the boats seen in recent visuals appeared to carry life jackets. There were no emergency response arrangements either—no divers stationed nearby, no rescue boats on standby.

According to standard norms for motorised boats, fire extinguishers are mandatory. However, those too were missing at the site. There were also no warning boards or signage to guide passengers about safe travel limits.

Lessons yet unlearnt

The situation comes despite heightened awareness following the Bargi Dam incident, where lapses in safety had drawn statewide criticism. Locals say the current practices suggest those lessons have not translated into enforcement on the ground.

“Initial reports indicate that even after previous incidents, monitoring remains weak,” a local resident said, pointing to the continued overloading and lack of supervision.

Passenger concerns grow

Passengers using the route admit they feel uneasy but often have little choice. Rajeev Patel, a regular commuter, said travelling on overloaded boats feels risky, especially when vehicles are loaded alongside people.

Others echoed similar concerns, noting that the absence of life jackets makes even short crossings stressful. Some said they wait longer for less crowded boats, but such options are limited during peak hours.

Residents and daily commuters have also raised questions over administrative inaction. They allege that the contractor operating the boats has been allowed to function without strict oversight, leading to repeated violations.

Sources familiar with the matter said inspections have been sporadic, and enforcement of rules has largely depended on complaints rather than routine checks.

SDM steps in

Following growing concern, Bherunda Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sudhir Kushwah conducted a site inspection. According to officials, strict instructions have now been issued to the contractor to adhere to prescribed capacity limits and ensure that every passenger is provided a life jacket.

The SDM also directed that boats undergo regular technical checks and be operated only by experienced personnel. Installation of warning signage, barricading at the and dissemination of safety information have also been ordered.

Warning of action

Officials have indicated that failure to comply will invite strict action against the contractor. “Local authorities confirmed that any negligence going forward will not be tolerated,” an official said, adding that monitoring will be stepped up in the coming days.

For now, Sehore boat safety violations remain a pressing concern, with the coming weeks likely to determine whether the directives issued translate into real change on the ground.