Buses and heavy vehicles continued using Almora district’s Quarab bypass on Friday, despite an administrative order restricting their movement because of landslide-related safety risks. The reported breach has renewed concerns about how the ban is being enforced on the vulnerable route.
The district administration had barred buses and other large vehicles from the bypass until further orders. Only light vehicles were allowed to use the road under the stated arrangement.
The restriction was introduced after repeated landslides affected the route and raised concerns for travellers. Authorities had also appealed to drivers not to put their lives at risk by using the restricted section.
Alternative routes named by administration
For buses and heavy vehicles, the administration designated 2 alternate routes:
- Almora–Vishwanath–Shaharphatak Motor Road, State Highway 13
- Khairna–Ranikhet Motor Road, State Highway 14
Despite these directions, buses and heavy vehicles were reported operating through the bypass on Friday. The development points to a gap between the announced restriction and its implementation on the ground.
The situation also raises questions about responsibility if a vehicle movement leads to a serious accident. The report highlights both the conduct of drivers using the prohibited route and concerns over the response of the departments responsible for enforcing the order.
Administration promises enforcement
The district administration had said that the condition of the Quarab bypass would be reviewed regularly. Movement of buses and larger vehicles would be reconsidered only after the route was found fully suitable and safe from a public-safety perspective.
Ramji Sharan Sharma, in-charge District Magistrate and Chief Development Officer of Almora, said police would be directed to act against violations. He said the order would be enforced and that those breaking the rules would not be spared.
The administration has not announced that the restriction has been withdrawn. Until a fresh decision is taken after a safety review, the stated arrangement keeps the bypass open only to light vehicles and directs larger vehicles to the 2 alternate roads.
Conclusion
The reported use of the Quarab bypass by buses and heavy vehicles despite the restriction has put enforcement under scrutiny. The next stated step is police action and continued review of the road’s safety before larger vehicles are allowed back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why were buses and heavy vehicles restricted on the Quarab bypass?
The restriction followed repeated landslides and concerns about traveller safety on the route.
Q. How long was the restriction intended to remain in force?
The ban was imposed until further orders from the district administration.
Q. Which vehicles were allowed to use the bypass?
Only light vehicles were permitted under the stated traffic arrangement.
Q. Which alternate routes were assigned to larger vehicles?
They were directed to the Almora–Vishwanath–Shaharphatak Motor Road, State Highway 13, and the Khairna–Ranikhet Motor Road, State Highway 14.
Q. What action has the administration indicated against violations?
The in-charge District Magistrate and Chief Development Officer said police would be directed to enforce the order and act against violations.
Q. When can buses and heavy vehicles return to the bypass?
Their operation may be reconsidered after a review finds the route fully suitable and safe.
