In response to the tragic accident involving a BEST bus in Kurla that claimed seven lives and left 42 passengers injured, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) and local traffic police have introduced new measures to enhance driver safety and improve traffic awareness. The incident, which occurred recently, prompted the authorities to reassess the knowledge and safety protocols of their bus drivers.
As part of the ongoing efforts, a special workshop was conducted at the Ghansoli bus depot by the Koparkhairane traffic branch on Wednesday. Over 100 bus drivers participated in this refresher course, where they received comprehensive training on vehicle operation, traffic rules, and passenger safety. The workshop’s primary goal was to reinforce the importance of safe driving practices to prevent future accidents.
NMMT, which operates a fleet of 220 electric buses with more than 400 drivers, ensures that all drivers undergo an initial 15-day training before being assigned to any vehicle. Furthermore, regular refresher courses are held to ensure drivers are up-to-date on the latest traffic regulations. According to NMMT manager Yogesh Kaduskar, the recent workshop at the Ghansoli depot is a part of an ongoing initiative to emphasize the importance of safe driving.
The training session covered various aspects of bus operation, focusing on adherence to traffic rules, passenger safety, and vehicle maintenance. Drivers were cautioned against common infractions such as using mobile phones while driving, running red lights, and speeding. “NMMT has never shown leniency towards errant drivers. In fact, strict actions have been taken in the past, including suspending the license of a driver caught using a mobile phone while driving,” said Kaduskar.
In addition to the workshop, the traffic department has started conducting random breathalyser tests to ensure that drivers are not under the influence while on duty. NMMT also revealed plans to implement advanced training technologies, including simulators, to help drivers better navigate the challenges of city traffic, similar to the training used for pilots.
In a statement, Commissioner of Police Milind Bharambe highlighted that discussions are underway to explore additional solutions for raising awareness and improving safety measures for bus drivers. “There has been some discussion on the matter, and in the coming days, newer solutions will be identified,” Bharambe said.
These initiatives come as part of the ongoing efforts to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of both passengers and bus drivers across Navi Mumbai.
Sources by Agencies
