5 KGMU ambulances fined Rs 50,000 for operating without valid fitness certificates
Lucknow: Five ambulances operated by King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow have been fined approximately Rs 50,000 for operating without valid fitness certificates, including one vehicle that had failed its fitness test in 2017.
The action was taken by the Lucknow Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) during an enforcement drive to identify vehicles running without the mandatory fitness certification. Officials said further action would be taken against other vehicles found violating the requirements.
Among the five ambulances, one registered in the name of the KGMU Registrar was issued a challan of Rs 17,000. According to transport officials, the ambulance had failed its fitness test in 2017 but continued to be used for transporting patients.
The remaining four ambulances were fined between Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000 each. With these penalties, the total fine imposed on the five vehicles came to approximately Rs 50,000, reports India Today.
Fitness certification is intended to ensure that vehicles meet prescribed safety and roadworthiness standards. Vehicles operating without valid certificates may face penalties during transport department inspections.
The case has drawn attention to compliance with vehicle fitness requirements at a major government medical institution, where ambulances play an important role in patient transport and emergency care. The fact that one ambulance continued to be used despite failing its fitness test nearly a decade ago also raises questions about the monitoring of the university’s vehicle fleet.
Transport officials have indicated that the enforcement drive will continue, with action planned against other vehicles found operating without valid fitness certificates. Further details about the condition of the five ambulances and whether they have since undergone fresh fitness assessments were not provided in the available information.
