AMTS Dismisses Duplicate Bus Incident as ‘Human Error’, Slaps ₹5 Lakh Fine on Operator

Facing intense heat after two municipal buses were caught plying on the same route with identical registration numbers in Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) Chairman Parag Naik has downplayed the severe negligence, attributing the scandal to a simple "human error."

The controversy erupted after residents spotted two buses carrying the registration number GJ-27-TJ-3550 near Damru Circle. While one bus carried an official High Security Registration Plate (HSRP), the other operated using a printed sticker with matching details.

Chairman Claims Sticker Mix-Up, Imposes Fine

Attempting to cover up potential collusion between private bus contractors and officials, Parag Naik claimed the management learned about the irregularity through social media. He explained that after RTO registration, vehicles are allowed to operate with temporary registration stickers for 10 to 15 days while awaiting official HSRP plates.

According to Naik, the contractor inadvertently printed and applied the wrong registration sticker onto the second vehicle. Framing the incident as an unintentional mistake, the chairman stated that an inquiry has been initiated and a preliminary fine of ₹5 lakh has been levied against the contractor.

Severe Operational Lapses Raised Despite Dismissive Response

Despite the chairman’s assertion of a harmless administrative slip, significant questions remain over how the duplicate vehicle went unnoticed during routine depot checks. Every bus exiting a depot is systematically recorded in official registers against its registration plate, with similar logs maintained whenever vehicles enter the premises for charging.

Meanwhile, Meghani Nagar police have received an application regarding the incident and are actively interrogating the drivers and conductors of both vehicles. Police officers are collecting vehicle documentation from the RTO and seeking details from fleet supervisors and the private contractor.

An RTO official noted that operating a vehicle with an improper or falsified registration sticker constitutes a clear crime, adding that a formal FIR can be lodged against the involved parties if requested by transport authorities.