Bombay High Court Grants Bail to BEST Bus Driver, Criticizes Training Deficiencies
The Bombay High Court has granted bail to the driver of a BEST bus responsible for a tragic accident in Kurla, Mumbai, in December 2024, which resulted in nine fatalities. The court expressed shock over the lack of practical training provided to drivers for operating electric buses, calling the oversight alarming.
Bail Granted on Personal Bond
Justice R M Joshi, on March 30, granted bail to Sanjay More, the driver, on a personal bond of Rs 15,000. More had been incarcerated since his arrest immediately following the accident. The court's order, made available on Thursday, emphasized that while More had experience driving conventional buses, he received no practical training for electric buses, a critical failure in safety protocols.
Court Highlights Training Shortcomings
In its detailed order, the high court pointed out that the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), a civic-run undertaking, was contractually obligated to provide at least seven days of training to drivers. However, the administration inexplicably reduced this period to just three days, limiting it to simulator sessions without any on-road practice. The court stated, "There could absolutely be no justification for not providing adequate training to the drivers before they are called upon to drive buses carrying passengers on busy roads in Mumbai."
The bench noted that the decision to curtail training and skip field exposure likely contributed to the painful incident. Justice Joshi remarked that while it might be easy to suggest More should have refused to drive without proper training, the reality of scarce employment opportunities often leaves individuals with little choice.
Medical Report and Trial Considerations
The accused, in his plea, highlighted that a medical report confirmed he was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. The court also considered that More has been in custody since December 2024, and the trial is not expected to conclude in the near future, factors that influenced the bail decision.
This case underscores broader issues in public transportation safety and the urgent need for comprehensive training programs, especially as cities like Mumbai transition to electric vehicles. The court's ruling serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting driver preparedness in high-stakes environments.
