In a decisive move to bolster road safety and accountability, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking has introduced stringent new measures for its bus drivers. This action comes directly in the wake of the tragic December 29 accident in Bhandup, where an air-conditioned electric bus ploughed into pedestrians, resulting in four fatalities and ten injuries.
Immediate Directives and Mandatory Retraining
Following the incident, BEST General Manager Sonia Sethi issued directives to the personnel department. A key measure now stipulates that drivers involved in accidents may be temporarily reassigned to alternative, non-driving duties. This is envisioned as a sensitisation step to reinforce the gravity of passenger safety and personal accountability.
The order applies universally to all electric bus operators, encompassing both BEST's on-roll employees and drivers from wet-lease operators. Furthermore, with immediate effect, every driver must undergo compulsory refresher and skill-upgrade training. An official stated that this training will concentrate on defensive driving techniques, safe handling of EV buses, speed regulation, braking behaviour, and comprehensive road safety practices.
Comprehensive Driver Review and On-Site Counselling
Concurrently, BEST has initiated a thorough review of driver service records. Drivers with a history of defaults, repeated violations, or prior suspensions are to be immediately withdrawn from active driving duties. They will not be redeployed until a full review and clearance as per established norms is completed.
To ensure uniform implementation of safety protocols across its vast network, BEST will deploy a mobile driver training vehicle to cover all 27 depots. This initiative aims for on-site sensitisation of drivers. Officials added that supervisors will conduct structured counselling sessions, clearly reiterating standard operating procedures. Drivers have been explicitly directed to halt properly at designated stops and wait until the last passenger has boarded safely before moving.
"Passenger safety and pedestrian safety come before schedule pressure," emphasized an official, underscoring the new priority.
Focus on Driver Wellbeing Amid Operational Strain
The counselling programme extends beyond operational checks to address driver wellness. Every driver will receive guidance, and any psychological or stress-related issues identified during interactions will be managed through appropriate support channels.
However, this safety drive is being launched against a backdrop of significant operational challenges. BEST's own bus fleet has dwindled to just 249 buses, while it relies heavily on 2,495 wet-lease buses. A persistent driver shortage compounds the issue, with some contractual buses now being operated by full-time BEST drivers. Notably, in the Bhandup incident, the driver was provided by BEST to a private contractor operating the midi bus involved.
The new measures represent a critical attempt by Mumbai's premier public transport utility to reset its safety culture, balancing stringent accountability with support for its drivers, even as it navigates a complex operational landscape.
