Bhubaneswar, Jan 13: To curb fatal road accidents caused by sand spillage, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing the transport of sand and other loose construction materials.
The directive has been circulated to all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) with instructions for strict enforcement and zero tolerance for violations.
The decision follows rising concerns over accidents linked to sand scattered on roads, including a recent tragic incident near Mangalpur on National Highway-316. In that accident, two women including a journalist from New7 were killed after their scooter skidded on spilled sand and was struck by a speeding bus.
In its circular, the STA pointed out that trucks, tippers and tractor-trolleys frequently carry sand without proper covering or secure loading. Such practices result in sand spilling onto roads, creating severe skidding risks, particularly for two-wheelers, and often leading to serious or fatal crashes.
The authority noted that the Orissa High Court and other courts have repeatedly underlined the need for stringent regulation of sand transportation. Court directives have also recorded restrictions on the daytime movement of heavy vehicles carrying sand.
Reiterating existing legal provisions, the STA reminded enforcement officials that the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, require all goods carried in open vehicles to be adequately covered with suitable materials such as tarpaulin. The circular also cites provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, empowering authorities to take action against unsafe driving, overloading and violations of permit conditions.
The issue has also drawn the attention of judicial bodies such as the National Green Tribunal, which has flagged violations related to uncovered sand transport and the resulting dust pollution and road hazards.
Under the SOP, vehicles carrying sand or other loose construction materials will not be permitted to operate unless the load is completely covered with tarpaulin or HDPE sheets and securely tied on all sides. Tailgates and sideboards must be properly locked, and loading must remain within permissible limits to prevent spillage during braking, turning or acceleration.
Any vehicle found uncovered, partially covered or loosely secured will be deemed unsafe and face immediate action, including e-challans, prosecution and, where necessary, detention. Enforcement teams have been instructed to specifically check and record compliance with covering requirements.
The STA has also directed RTOs and District Transport Officers to conduct regular joint enforcement drives with the police. These checks will focus on approach roads to sand ghats and quarries, highway entry and exit points, bypasses and accident-prone stretches, with particular attention on tractor-trolleys and tippers, which are commonly found carrying loose and uncovered loads.
