Noopur Bhandiwad, Pune
The Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) is implementing a ‘carrot and stick’ policy to curb the number of accidents involving bus drivers who flout traffic rules.
Sachindra Pratap Singh, the newly appointed Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), told TOI that strict punishment will be meted out to drivers who are found jumping signals, including those dismissed from their service.
“If charges of traffic violations against them are found true, they will be severely punished for it. It is the duty of the drivers to follow all traffic rules diligently. Strict punishment will discourage them when it comes to breaking traffic norms. The drivers who are found to be respecting traffic violations would also be rewarded,” he added.
This policy comes in light of the tragic accidents that have occurred lately. In a recent accident, a woman succumbed to injuries after a PMPML bus, that was alleged to have exceeded a signal hit her. A PMPML bus collided with a 77-year-old woman in front of the Shani temple near the Anand Theatre railway gate earlier this month. She passed away from serious injuries.
The PMPML CMD also informed us that the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) has been called upon to provide proper and frequent training to their drivers. Along with this, PMPML will also take the initiative to identify accident-prone zones within the city.
Driver fatigue is another crucial issue that Singh brought to light. “It has been noticed that private contractors assign double duty to drivers at times, which hampers their rest periods. This eventually results in accidents due to inattention caused by inadequate rest. Contractors have been warned not to engage in it.”
PMP Pravasi Manch activist Sanjay Shitole called for a collaboration between PMPML, the RTO (Regional Transport Office), and the Police to ensure road safety and prevent accidents.
Commuters also expressed their grievances and called for increased accountability.