No monitoring system put in place

In an inspection of the school bus involved in the Monday accident, an HT team accompanied by a technician had found that the speed limiting device fitted in the vehicle was not functioning.

The speed governor was of Pricol company, which no longer supplies the equipment, and above all, the device was not even connected.

Despite repeated reports on malpractices in installation of speed governors in transport and commercial vehicles, Haryana authorities have failed to take the case seriously.

Though the device needs to be tested and approved by government-authorised agencies, middlemen have been supplying unapproved and sub-standard speed governors at a very low price, against R1 lakh spent by authorised agencies on a single approval as per rules.

Moreover, transport authorities have turned a blind eye to the dangerous practice though a high court order has made installation of speed governors mandatory.

When an HT team had earlier visited Leisure Valley Park Ground in Sector 29, where commercial vehicles are checked for annual fitness certificate, it was observed that speed governors were fitted without being duly approved or being properly functional.

Recycling of speed governors is another dangerous trend that has put safety in jeopardy.

The HT reporter had found that speed governors were being installed in one vehicle, removed after getting an NOC and then fitted on another vehicle for getting checks.

"I will get the investigation done on this matter and we will make sure no such kind of act is taking place on approval ground," said transport commissioner SC Joshi on Monday from Chandigarh after he was informed about the growing malpractices.