The Andhra Pradesh government has banned night-time travel on ghat roads in agency and forest areas following a fatal bus accident in the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district that killed nine people.
The decision was taken after a private bus carrying pilgrims lost control while negotiating a sharp curve in the early hours and plunged into a roadside ditch. Nine passengers died in the accident and several others sustained injuries. Preliminary reports attributed the crash to dense fog, sharp bends and poor visibility on the ghat road.
In the aftermath, the state government directed officials to strictly restrict vehicle movement during night hours on all ghat roads in agency areas. The ban covers all categories of vehicles, including private buses, cars and heavy transport vehicles, particularly during fog-prone hours when visibility is low.
Authorities have been instructed to ensure that no vehicles operate under unsafe visibility conditions at night. The Home Department has also asked officials to identify accident-prone stretches, install warning signboards and allow only experienced, specially licensed drivers to operate vehicles on hill roads.
Police and transport department officials will carry out regular checks to enforce compliance with safety norms. The government has announced ex-gratia compensation for the families of those killed in the accident and assured medical care for the injured.
Senior officials said the restrictions will remain in force until weather conditions improve and visibility becomes safe. Ghat roads in the ASR district and other agency areas are known for steep gradients, narrow stretches and sharp curves, making night travel particularly risky.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said the safety of citizens remains the government’s top priority and that officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the night travel ban and implement all necessary safety measures to prevent further loss of life.
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