highway safety is a crucial concern for travelers and transportation companies alike.On December 30, 2024, a tragic accident on the CPEC M-14 Motorway claimed 11 lives and injured 14 others.
This led the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) to take decisive action, suspending Faisal Movers’ operations for 30 days.
The Incident: What Happened?
On December 30, a Faisal Movers bus traveling from Bahawalpur to Islamabad veered off its path and overturned. Key findings from the NHMP investigation included:
Unauthorized Route Usage:
The bus was operating outside its permitted route, violating NHMP regulations.
Excessive Speed:
Tracker data revealed the vehicle was traveling at 112 km/h, above the speed limit.
Driver Fatigue:
Only one driver was on duty, exceeding the five-hour continuous driving limit.
NHMP’s Response: Suspension and Safety Measures
In response to these violations, NHMP suspended Faisal Movers’ operations in the Motorway North Zone from December 31, 2024, to January 29, 2025. The suspension order emphasized the following:
Adherence to valid route permits.
Access to vehicle trackers for monitoring purposes.
Compliance with speed limits and driver duty regulations.
The company must meet the safety conditions outlined in the NHMP’s 2021 SOPs before resuming operations.
Implications for Highway Safety
This incident underscores the importance of prioritizing passenger safety over operational shortcuts. Key takeaways include:
- Stricter Enforcement of Regulations: Ensuring all transport operators comply with NHMP guidelines.
- Passenger Awareness: Educating travelers to demand safer transport options.
- Accountability for Violations: Holding companies accountable to prevent repeat incidents.
