The tragic accident involving a bus traveling from Kinath/Barat in Pauri district to Ramnagar occurred near Marchula in Almora district on November 4, resulted in the loss of 36 lives. CPIML State Secretary Indresh Maikhuri, in a statement, extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a swift recovery for the injured.
Comrade Indresh noted that this accident once again exposes the shortcomings of the transportation system in the mountainous regions of Uttarakhand. It has come to light that the bus was overcrowded, carrying far more passengers than its capacity. Public transport in the hills is typically in a dilapidated state, and due to a shortage of vehicles, overloading is common. The roads are in extremely poor condition, despite repeated promises from the Chief Minister to make the roads pothole-free, dating back to 2022. However, the reality is that the condition of roads in the hills remains deplorable.
Following this incident, the Chief Minister has ordered a magistrate-led inquiry. However, this appears to be more of a formality. In July 2018, a horrific accident in Dhumakot in Pauri district claimed the lives of 45 people. The then-Chief Minister also ordered a magistrate inquiry at that time. Before conducting yet another inquiry, it is essential to clarify what actions were taken based on the previous inquiry and what lessons were learned from it.
CPIML has demanded concrete steps to be taken urgently to put an end to the loss of lives due to a crumbling transport system and deteriorating roads in the hills.
