Following directives from Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) administration has dismissed a contractual bus driver who was caught watching a cricket match on his mobile phone while operating the Dadar-Swargate (Pune) e-Shivneri bus service. Additionally, a fine of ₹5,000 has been imposed on the supplier of the bus to MSRTC under the wet lease contract. The bus departed from Dadar on March 22 at 7:30 PM and reached Pune at midnight.
According to Sarnaik, similar complaints have been received regarding auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers using earphones and watching matches or movies while driving. The transport department is set to introduce new regulations soon to curb such dangerous practices.
The minister also stated that similar action will be taken in the future against taxi, rickshaw, and other public transport drivers in the state. The Maharashtra transport department is now working on new measures to prevent driver distractions, ensuring safer journeys for the public.
Another passenger, @nitingodbole, complained about the same bus driver on X, stating that the driver of a Shivneri bus was talking on the phone while driving, putting passengers' lives at risk, and tagged @CMOMaharashtra.
In response, the Chief Minister replied on X at 2:23 pm on March 23rd, "This driver was immediately suspended. An FIR is in process, and further action is underway. Your concern was noted and forwarded to the relevant department officials, who verified the issue and took immediate action."
Earlier, on the evening of March 22, an e-Shivneri bus (wet lease) departed from Dadar for Swargate (Pune). Around 7 PM, near Lonavala, a passenger onboard noticed that the driver was watching a live cricket match on his mobile phone while driving. Concerned for their safety, the passenger recorded a video and sent it to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
Upon receiving the complaint, Minister Sarnaik immediately instructed senior MSRTC officials to take strict action as per regulations. Acting on these directives, local MSRTC authorities dismissed the driver for reckless driving, which endangered passengers' lives. Additionally, the wet lease bus supplier company was fined ₹5,000.
Speaking on the issue, Minister Sarnaik emphasized that e-Shivneri is a prestigious bus service operating on the Mumbai-Pune route, catering to numerous esteemed passengers. “This service is known for its accident-free record. Drivers who engage in irresponsible behavior that endangers passengers' lives must face strict action to maintain trust in the MSRTC service,” he stated.
The minister also highlighted the need for private transport operators to regularly train their drivers in disciplined driving practices.
