RTO leads crackdown on overloaded trucks
In a determined and exemplary action against overloaded commercial vehicles, Sirmaur Regional Transport Officer (RTO) has spearheaded a major enforcement drive on National Highway-7 near Nahan-Dosarka, underlining department’s continued commitment to road safety and rule of law.
The transport department, under the leadership of RTO Sona Chauhan, penalised 27 trucks for carrying loads beyond the permissible limits — imposing fines amounting to a total of Rs 9.17 lakh. In a move that sends a strong message to violators, 20 of these trucks were blacklisted for non-payment of penalties, effectively halting their operations until dues are cleared.
Prompted by growing complaints from the public regarding the movement of overloaded trucks in Sirmaur district, RTO Sirmaur acted without delay. She, along with her team, set up a checkpoint near Dosarka and conducted thorough inspections of vehicles arriving from Paonta Sahib and Renuka Ji. The operation led to the detection of 27 trucks laden with excessive quantities of gravel and stone — posing serious risks not just to the road infrastructure, but also to public safety.
“Overloading is a major threat to both our roads and the safety of other commuters. We acted on inputs from the district administration and took strong measures to ensure compliance,” said RTO Sona Chauhan after the crackdown.
Out of the total violators, seven truck operators have already paid fines totaling Rs 2.56 lakh. However, 20 operators failed to pay their dues, prompting the transport department to blacklist their vehicles. This means these trucks will remain off the roads until all penalties are cleared and the operators will be restricted from conducting any transport-related activity in the interim.
This move has not only disrupted illegal operations but also sparked awareness and urgency among transporters to comply with legal load limits. The message is clear: regulation violators will face immediate and firm consequences.
This is not the first time RTO Sona Chauhan has led a high-impact operation. Chauhan has built a reputation as a proactive officer who doesn’t shy away from night operations or difficult terrain to uphold the law. Whether it’s tackling overloaded vehicles or responding to reports of traffic violations, she is known for her zero-tolerance approach towards non-compliance, balanced with a focus on public safety and fair enforcement.
Sona Chauhan emphasised that overloading is not just a regulatory issue — it is a serious public safety hazard. “Truck owners and drivers must understand that carrying excess load endangers lives, increases the risk of accidents, and damages our roads. We are committed to ensuring that transport operations are conducted within legal frameworks,” she said.
She also appealed to truck operators to follow loading norms and contribute to building a safer, more reliable transport ecosystem in the region.The successful operation sets an inspiring example for other districts in Himachal Pradesh. It shows that with the right leadership and a data-driven approach, enforcement of transport regulations can be both effective and respectful of due process.
In a time when safety on highways is becoming an increasing concern, RTO Sirmaur’s swift and structured action provides a reassuring reminder that rules, when enforced with fairness and conviction, pave the way for safer roads and responsible governance.
Himachal Tribune