24 schoolkids squeezed into 1 auto in Telangana—here's why it keeps happening
On Tuesday, traffic police in Nagarkurnool, Telangana stopped an auto-rickshaw carrying a jaw-dropping 24 schoolchildren—almost five times the legal limit.
Kids were packed onto seats, lying on the floor, and even perched precariously at the vehicle's edge.
The driver got fined, but scenes like this are more common than you'd think.
Why does this keep happening?
Despite officials inspecting thousands of autos and collecting hefty fines this year, overcrowding remains the norm.
Many share-autos ignore safety rules, and only about half have valid fitness certificates.
For many parents, pricey school bus fees (over ₹15,000 a year) leave them with no real choice but these risky rides.
The bigger problem: No easy fixes yet
Auto unions hold serious political influence, according to public perception, so enforcing rules is tough.
Plus, with the RTO helpline barely working, as noted by the union leader, and few affordable public transport options around, families are stuck—and many believe things won't change until safer alternatives exist.