Chief minister Siddaramaiah has warned private bus operators of stringent action if they violate laws like overloading of goods in passenger vehicles and not giving enough rest to drivers during a journey.
Q: Three similar bus accidents have taken place in less than a month. What is the government doing?
Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy has rushed to the spot and will give a report on the accident. Such things should not happen and initial reports say it was the driver’s fault. But a decision can be taken only after the detailed report comes. Those responsible for this will not be spared and action will be initiated.
Q: How will the government ensure safe driving by bus crew?
The transport department has taken several measures following the Mahbubnagar tragedy. In that case too, the driver was at fault. According to rules, emergency exits are to be made compulsory for passenger vehicles. During the renewal of fitness certificate and checking of vehicles these exits have to be verified. Two doors should be provided for a bus. Private operators have been told not to overwork drivers on duty. This issue will be taken up at a meeting of private operators soon.
Q: Most accidents happen due to negligence of the operators. How will government tackle it?
According to the transport department, a major violation is overloading of goods in the vehicles. Strict enforcement against carrying goods other than personal luggage in passenger vehicles will be done.Stringent action against erring drivers will be initiated. The private operators should also ensure that dri vers don’t overload goods in the buses illegally. The enforcement staff will inspect fitness condition of vehicles during a special drive every month. Refresher courses for drivers will be taken up by each office every month.
Read the full report here, Times of India
