Junagadh: The bus operating on the Upleta-Kwant route by the Upleta depot of the Junagadh division had halted at the authorized highway hotel New Maya near the Tarapur intersection, which falls under the Nadiad division of the State Transport Corporation (GSRTC). During the stop, a lizard was found in the bus driver’s food, and a video of the incident went viral on social media. Upon learning of the matter, the administration conducted an investigation, after which the Corporation took immediate action against the hotel owner and cancelled the hotel’s license as per the terms of the agreement.

In addition, all hotels authorized by the Corporation across various roads in the state are now being inspected in coordination with the Food and Drugs Department and the Controller of Legal Metrology. These inspections aim to prevent future irregularities and ensure that healthy food and essential facilities are available for passengers, drivers, and conductors.

It is worth noting that passengers traveling long distances in Gujarat ST Express and other buses are provided with access to nutritious food. To ensure the availability of proper facilities for meals, refreshments, and hygiene, the Corporation authorizes select hotels through a tender process. These hotels are regularly inspected at both departmental and central levels to ensure compliance with license terms regarding food quality, cleanliness, and passenger facilities, the GSRTC said in a press release.

If any irregularities are found—either in violation of license terms or compromising passenger facilities—the Corporation takes strict and immediate punitive action against the hotel owner, which may include cancellation of the license if necessary, the press note further said. DeshGujarat