Many lives were destroyed in a moment in a tragic accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh in the early hours of Friday. The sudden fire that broke out in the Kaveri Travels bus did not even give the passengers a chance to get out. The death of at least 20 people in the accident has shocked the entire country. In such a situation, many reports are now coming out, in which it is being claimed that the Vemuri Kaveri Travels bus involved in the horrific road accident openly flouted many transport rules. Investigation has revealed that the bus was converted from a seating coach to a sleeper coach without permission and was being operated between states with dubious documents.
According to official records, this bus with number DD01 N9490 belonged to Vemuri Vinod Kumar, owner of Vemuri Kaveri Travels. Let us tell you that the bus was originally purchased on May 2, 2018 in Daman and Diu. Later on April 29, 2025, its registration was transferred to Rayagada RTO, Odisha in the name of G Bijaya Lakshmi, whose address the authorities are finding suspicious.
Read this also:- Kurnool bus accident: Eyewitnesses described the horrifying scene, when they woke up after hearing screams, they were surrounded by fire, saved their lives by breaking the window
The paper is correct, but the real picture is different
According to the documents, the bus had a valid fitness certificate (till March 31, 2027), insurance and road tax. But investigation revealed that the bus was originally registered as a seater coach and was later converted into a sleeper, that too without technical permission or following safety standards.
Meanwhile, Rayagada Transport Department officials claimed that they were not aware of the conversion of the bus into a sleeper and gave the approval only on the basis of ‘available records’. However, sources in the transport department say that many private bus operators make unauthorized modifications to vehicles, and in some cases collusion with RTA officials has also been found.
‘Passengers’ safety is being put at stake for money’
APSRTC Vice Chairman and Managing Director Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said that manufacturing of bus body is a scientific process, in which it is important to take care of aspects like weight balance, emergency exit, fire safety. He said private bus owners tamper with the original design by reducing the distance between seats and adding extra berths, making the vehicles unbalanced and unsafe. Money is being earned at the cost of passenger safety.
Also read:- Andhra Pradesh Bus Accident: Have we accepted fire in buses as destiny? Kurnool tragedy becomes the starting point of reform
Questions raised again on private buses
It is noteworthy that this horrific accident on NH-44 has once again raised serious questions regarding road safety and unauthorized bus design. Experts say such unauthorized modifications not only put passengers’ lives at risk, but also highlight a regulatory failure behind every major accident.
