Passenger safety in Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses is under scrutiny, with official data revealing a shocking 301 accidents involving Pune Division buses in the last 21 months. The grim statistics expose a rising toll of negligence and lack of effective safety measures, leaving passengers vulnerable on the roads.
The accidents, which occurred between March 2023 and December 2024, have claimed 35 lives, including 17 fatalities in 2023 and 18 in 2024. Additionally, the data reveals 150 major accidents and 126 minor ones, highlighting the persistent risk to commuters. These accidents took place on expressways, highways and other roads in the city as well.
This alarming record raises concerns over the condition of the MSRTC buses and the driving skills of the driver to ensure passenger safety. Despite repeated incidents, there appears to be no significant improvement in preventive measures or driver training programmes. With nearly half of the incidents classified as major accidents, the threat to public safety remains a serious issue.
Promod Nehul, Divisional Controller, Pune Division, said, "The training programme of the drivers is consistently happening. We have given strict instructions to the drivers for passenger safety. The dedicated security team is active on the field and does a random inspection of the alcohol consumption by the drivers."
"In the last six months, we have taken action against six MSRTC drivers out of which three have been terminated permanently and three are under suspension. The violation of MSRTC norms will not be tolerated anymore," he added.
