I have always been fascinated by the sights I see on my travels to different places in India. India is a nation whose economy is expanding and whose population has been swelling quickly. As a result, the country's transportation network is essential to the flow of people and products. But one enduring problem that has beset Indian roads is vehicle overcrowding, especially when it comes to freight transportation. The country's road system suffers from overloading.
Overloaded Trucks, Chhattisgarh
Source: Richa Singh
Road safety is seriously compromised by overloaded automobiles. The extra weight strains tires and other vital parts more, decreases vehicle stability, and lengthens stopping distances. Accidents are more likely as a result, particularly on routes with rough terrain or inadequate maintenance.
Hay-loaded Truck, Bihar
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
Furthermore, laden trucks are more likely to topple over, endangering not only the driver and passengers but also other drivers and motorists.
Bike Over-Loaded with Coal Bags, Jharkhand
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
Bicycle Carrying Coal Sacks, Jharkhand
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
Jharkhand is one of the prominent coal-mining regions of India. Dhanbad is known as the 'Coal Capital of India'. The state is rich in bituminous coal which is a medium grade of coal with lesser carbon content than anthracite coal (the best quality coal).
Lalmatia Coal Mines, Godda District, Jharkhand
Photo Credit: Dr. Richa Singh
One of the common sights in Jharkhand is the image of men pushing bicycles—rather than pedaling them—or men on motorbikes along the roads that connect the coal mines with the nearby towns, using their vehicles as lifeless beasts of burden transporting sacks of coal.
Men Walking Slowly Along, Pulling Bicycles with Tons of Coal
Bokaro District, Jharkhand
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
In addition to posing serious dangers to road safety, this practice of vehicles carrying loads above their allowed capacity has a negative impact on the infrastructure and general efficiency of transportation in the country. When the engine has to work harder to bear the extra weight, vehicles that are overloaded make use of more fuel and emit more emissions. This raises the operational expenses for transporters in addition to degrading the environment.
Bike and the Beast (of Burden)
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
Cars with Sunroof? Nah!
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
The risk of injury to both the animals and the occupant of the vehicle is increased when transporting animals in small vehicles. Animals that aren't securely fastened can become projectiles in an accident or abrupt halt, endangering both the animal and other passengers in the automobile.
Cattle Being Transported in a Small Truck
Hyderabad, Telangana
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
Not just animals, but also cars trailing behind may be seriously endangered if logs or other cargo are not securely fastened in case the goods fall off the trucks transporting them.
Truck Carrying Wood Logs
Hyderabad, Telangana
Source: Dr. Richa Singh
Hence, overloading has negative effects on not only road safety but also the environment, rapid deterioration of infrastructure, and increased financial costs. In India, the problem of overloaded vehicles is a complex one that needs to be addressed with comprehensive solutions.
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