LUCKNOW, March 30 -- A large number of buses operated under contract with the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) remain outside the corporation's real-time tracking system, even though vehicle location tracking devices (VLTDs) have been installed across most of its main fleet. Officials said that while the installation drive has largely been completed for corporation-owned buses, the same cannot be said for contract buses. In several cases, devices have either not been installed or, where installed, are ineffective due to inactive SIM cards. The transport corporation has made VLTD installation mandatory for all commercial vehicles, including its own fleet and contract buses. As part of this initiative, devices were fitted in nearly 12,000 buses, including around 3,000 contract vehicles. However, compliance among private operators has remained patchy. The tracking system is linked to a central control room at the corporation's headquarters, where bus movement can be monitored in real time. It was introduced not only to improve operational efficiency but also to enhance passenger safety and reduce accidents. Authorities noted that many contract bus operators have failed to install the devices despite repeated instructions. In cases where VLTDs have been installed, operators have not recharged the SIM cards required for data transmission, rendering the devices non-functional. Taking note of these lapses, the corporation has issued a strict warning to contract bus operators, directing them to comply immediately with the norms. They have been asked to ensure both installation of devices and timely SIM recharges so that tracking functions without interruption. Regional manager (Lucknow region) Amarnath Sahay said clear instructions have been issued to all contract operators. "They must install VLTDs and keep the SIMs active. This system is crucial for passenger safety and operational monitoring," he said. In a related development, the corporation has also received complaints against some contract bus owners for allegedly allowing unauthorised passengers to travel outside the official booking system. Officials said such practices violate the terms of the agreement. "We are preparing a list of such operators. If found guilty, their contracts will be cancelled," Sahay added. The corporation maintains that strict enforcement of these measures is necessary to streamline services and ensure transparency in operations, particularly in the contract segment, which continues to lag in compliance....