BMTC crew fail to follow passenger safety norms; buses keep doors open
The Hindu
Despite the Road Transport Corporations (RTC) issuing a circular to follow passenger safety norms and close bus doors before the bus moves, most Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses in the city are not following the rules.
Despite the Road Transport Corporations (RTC) issuing a circular to follow passenger safety norms and close bus doors before the bus moves, most Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses in the city are not following the rules.
After Shakti, a scheme which offers women free travel in non-premium services offered by RTCs implemented in the State, most buses across the state are carrying passengers on footboards of the bus, leading to concerns about passengers safety.
According to passengers, most ordinary buses are not following the circular and allowing the passengers to stand on the footboards while most buses still are not closing the doors, especially the front passenger door. Madhu Krishna, a regular BMTC passenger from Shantinagar, said, “The bus driver never closes the front door and allows passengers to board the bus while the vehicle is still moving near the bus stops, risking the life of passengers.”
The passengers also complained that the bus crew take more passengers than the limit and makes them stand on footboards. Sharavati K, a passenger said, “After the Shakti scheme was implemented, the buses are seeing a lot of crowd regularly. Especially during peak hours, the buses are crowded, the driver never closes the front door where most of the ladies stand which will have serious safety issues. The BMTC should add more buses to resolve crowding issues while the safety of passengers must be prioritised.”
According to the circular issued by RTCs on June 13, the bus driver and conductor should make sure that the back and front doors are closed and only then start the bus. The circular was issued after a 14-year-old schoolgirl died recently as she lost balance and fell down from a crowded North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) bus in Haveri district. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy had given instructions to all the RTCs to follow passenger safety norms and close bus doors before the bus moved.
The circular stated that all the bus doors should be checked before a bus starts for a trip from the depot. The bus driver and conductor should make sure that the back door is closed and only then start the bus.
The bus crew had been directed not to allow any passenger to stay on the footboard of the bus and make sure that both front and back doors are closed properly.
Amol Palekar advocates against pre-censorship in films and theatre, urging the government to protect artists' freedom of expression.
BJP legislators demand release of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh, threatening protests and border blockade if demands not met.
Odisha loses 790 elephants in a decade, with electrocution as the leading cause of unnatural deaths.
ASI issues notice to halt construction at Arya Akshobhya Teertha Mutt near Rameshwara temple in Shivamogga.
Madurai High Court orders removal of encroachments along Madurai-Dindigul highway, Corporation and Highways Department officials conduct joint operation.
Maharashtra Congress chief initiates signature campaign for return of ballot papers, sparking nationwide debate on EVMs.
Udupi Deputy Commissioner K. Vidyakumari on Wednesday directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake periodical maintenance of NH66 without giving room for complaints.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw updates Lok Sabha on Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. shareholding, Goa willing to relinquish.
One dies, eight hospitalised after inhaling HCL fumes at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. About 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank at Unit-III of the company, which affected nine workers, says Collector. While the condition of six of them is stable, two are on ventilator support. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs authorities to provide advanced treatment to the victims. Home Minister Anitha expresses anger over repeated such incidents.
Parents and social workers in Thoothukudi request new Anganwadi buildings due to unsafe conditions in current rental buildings.
Delta districts face heavy rainfall, prompting coordinated efforts to mitigate damages, with NDRF teams deployed for rescue operations.