Uttar Pradesh Government to Enforce Ban on Tractor-Trolley Passenger Travel After Accidents

Key Highlights

• UP government bans tractor-trolley passenger travel.
• Recent accidents prompted strict enforcement.
• Public awareness campaigns planned.
• Only laborers were allowed for work transport.
• High-level meeting to finalize strategies.

The Uttar Pradesh government is taking strict action to prevent the use of tractor-trolleys for passenger transport after a series of tragic accidents. Like the incident that occurred on October 4, 2023, in Mirzapur, where 10 laborers lost their lives while returning from a project site to Varanasi. This is one of many accidents involving tractor-trolleys that have raised serious safety concerns in the state.

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Tractor trolleys are primarily designed for transporting goods or laborers to work sites, but they are often used for passenger travel, especially in rural areas. Many people choose this mode of transportation because it is cheaper and easily accessible. However, it is quite dangerous and has resulted in several fatal accidents. Earlier this year, in February, 23 people died in a similar accident in Kasganj. In Hathras, six people were killed in October 2023, and another 14 died in Shahjahanpur in April 2022. Additionally, in Agra, a tragic incident in October 2022 claimed the lives of 26 people.

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To address this alarming issue, the Uttar Pradesh government will hold a high-level meeting to discuss ways to ensure compliance with the ban on using tractor-trolleys for passenger transport. Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh highlighted the importance of strict enforcement and public awareness. He acknowledged that while people may see tractor-trolleys as a convenient option, safety must always come first. "Nothing is more valuable than life," Singh said.

The government plans to run awareness campaigns to inform the public about the dangers of traveling in tractor-trolleys. Posters and messages will be displayed in rural areas to emphasize the risks. At the same time, authorities will implement stricter regulations to prevent these vehicles from carrying passengers, except for laborers who are going to work sites or fields for commercial or agricultural purposes.

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By focusing on both enforcement and education, the government aims to reduce the number of tragic accidents and make roads safer for everyone. The upcoming meeting will also finalize the strategies to tackle this issue and save lives.