In Madhya Pradesh, tractor-trolleys intended for agricultural use can ply on city roads primarily for carrying farm produce. However, for commercial goods transport (hiring or reward), a Goods Carriage Permit is mandatory, which is rarely issued for intra-city routes, making such operations largely illegal.
Key prohibitions include:
- No Passenger Transport: Carrying people in the trolley is strictly prohibited.
- Fitness & PUC: Valid Fitness (for commercial use) and Pollution Certificates are required.
- Local Bans: Specific cities and municipal areas enforce time or entry restrictions to manage congestion and safety.
Overall, non-agricultural commercial use within city limits is restricted and actively penalised.
Sagar Watch News/ In a bid to enhance road safety, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Sagar, along with his team, launched a special checking drive while also fitting radium reflector tapes on tractor–trolleys.
So far, radium reflector tapes have been installed on 29 tractor–trolleys. This initiative is significant as most trolleys lack rear lighting, leading to frequent nighttime accidents and resulting in loss of life and property. The reflective tapes are expected to improve visibility and reduce such incidents.
As part of awareness efforts on road safety and traffic rules, a seminar was organised at the Army Public School. Students of classes 10, 11 and 12 were educated about traffic regulations, shown accident-related videos, and engaged through interactive question-and-answer sessions to build awareness and responsible behaviour.
During the drive, passenger vehicles and school buses were also checked. From a previously seized school bus, a compounding fee, motor vehicle tax and penalty amounting to ₹59,000 were recovered. Overall, 48 vehicles were inspected, 37 were challaned, and a total fine of ₹1,22,600 was collected. The total recovery during the drive stood at ₹1,81,600.
The RTO issued strict instructions to all school bus operators to comply with Supreme Court guidelines, including the installation of speed governors, valid insurance, fitness and pollution certificates, payment of vehicle tax, availability of first-aid boxes and fire extinguishers, and ensuring that drivers hold valid heavy vehicle licences and wear prescribed uniforms.
Operators were also directed not to exceed seating capacity. Parents were urged to personally verify the safety and compliance of vehicles used for their children and report any irregularities to the transport enforcement team.
