In response to a devastating BEST bus accident in Kurla that claimed seven lives and left 43 injured, the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) has initiated stringent measures to reassess the skills and fitness of 270 bus drivers. This tragic incident has raised serious questions about driver competency, prompting immediate action by the civic body to ensure public safety.
Kurla Accident Sparks Action in Mira Bhayandar
The accident, involving a BEST AC bus driven by an allegedly inexperienced driver, has led the MBMC to review its recruitment and monitoring practices for bus operators in the twin city. The corporation currently operates a fleet of 131 buses, including 74 diesel-fueled and 57 electric vehicles, on about 30 routes serving between 95,000 to 1.05 lakh commuters daily.
Civic Chief Sanjay Katkar confirmed that the MBMC is undertaking a comprehensive retest and medical examination of all bus drivers recruited through private contractual agencies. “We follow a strict scrutiny process during recruitment and conduct regular training sessions, as well as random drug and alcohol tests. However, this fresh initiative will ensure drivers are both physically fit and well-versed in road safety regulations and best practices,” said Katkar.
Driver Verification and Retesting Process
The MBMC has hired professionally qualified agencies to conduct these evaluations. The process will include:
- Skill Retests: Assessing drivers’ proficiency in operating buses safely under different conditions.
- Medical Examinations: Ensuring physical and mental fitness to handle the demands of driving public transport vehicles.
- Road Safety Training: Refresher courses on safe driving techniques and emergency response protocols.
Katkar emphasized that the training programs would be tailored to address critical aspects of public transport safety, aiming to mitigate risks and prevent future mishaps.
Gross Cost Contract Model Under Scrutiny
The buses operated under the MBMC follow a Gross Cost Contract (GCC) model, where private contractors handle ownership, maintenance, and fuel costs while earning revenue through advertisements. Drivers are recruited by these contractors, while MBMC deploys conductors to manage ticket revenue. Despite the efficiency of this model, the Kurla incident has exposed gaps in oversight regarding driver competency and fitness.
Under the GCC arrangement, the MBMC earns approximately ₹10.5 lakh daily through ticket sales, reflecting the high volume of commuters who rely on the service. Ensuring the safety of these passengers has now become a top priority.
Pattern of Fatal Mishaps in Twin City
The Kurla accident is not an isolated incident, as fatal mishaps involving bus drivers have previously occurred in the twin city. Concerns about driver qualifications and the effectiveness of existing monitoring mechanisms have been longstanding. By reassessing the driving skills and health of its operators, the MBMC aims to restore public confidence in the safety of its public transport system.
Public Transport Safety: The Need for Reform
The tragic loss of lives in the Kurla accident highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols across public transport networks. It underscores the importance of thorough driver training, regular health check-ups, and accountability in contractual arrangements with private operators.
This decisive action by the MBMC reflects its commitment to public safety and proactive governance. As investigations into the Kurla incident continue, authorities hope these reforms will set a new standard for operational safety and driver accountability.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
