BEST Cracks Down on 23 Drivers Using Phones While Driving

A recent safety crackdown by the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking has caught 23 wet-lease bus drivers using mobile phones while driving in just 18 days. The violations were detected between June 12 and June 30, following the fatal Dadar bus accident that prompted BEST to tighten surveillance.

The Dadar bus accident, which occurred on June 12, resulted in the loss of one life and injured six others. The accident was caused by a speeding wet-lease electric bus that lost control near Plaza Cinema. This incident highlighted the growing concerns over unsafe driving practices in Mumbai's public transport system.

According to officials, each driver was fined Rs 1,000, while repeat offenders will face double the penalty. A third violation could result in a chargesheet being issued to the concerned wet-lease operator. To curb reckless driving, BEST has now deployed officers and depot staff in plain clothes to travel as passengers on buses and monitor driver behaviour.

The officers will check for mobile phone use, conversations with conductors or passengers while driving, improper seating posture, use of earphones and other distractions that could compromise passenger safety. Surprise inspections will continue across all 27 depots, with teams documenting violations and recommending action against both drivers and private operators.

The move is aimed at improving road safety and ensuring stricter compliance with driving norms across BEST's wet-lease fleet. BEST's decision to launch a major citywide safety crackdown is a step in the right direction, as it will help to prevent such accidents in the future and ensure the safety of passengers.

Mumbai's public transport system is one of the busiest in the country, with thousands of commuters relying on buses and other modes of transport to get to their destinations. The safety of these commuters is of utmost importance, and BEST's efforts to improve road safety are commendable.

The crackdown on drivers using mobile phones while driving is just one aspect of BEST's efforts to improve road safety. The undertaking is also planning to revive a stalled order for 150 electric double-decker buses, which will help to reduce the number of accidents on the road.

In addition to the crackdown on drivers, BEST is also taking other measures to improve road safety. The undertaking is planning to deploy more officers and depot staff to monitor driver behaviour and ensure that all drivers are following the rules of the road.

Overall, BEST's efforts to improve road safety are a positive step towards reducing the number of accidents on Mumbai's roads. The undertaking's decision to launch a major citywide safety crackdown is a testament to its commitment to ensuring the safety of passengers.

The safety crackdown is expected to have a significant impact on the city's road safety, as it will help to prevent accidents and ensure that commuters are safe while traveling. With the help of this crackdown, Mumbai's public transport system is expected to become safer and more reliable.

In conclusion, the recent safety crackdown by BEST is a welcome move, as it will help to improve road safety and prevent accidents in the future. The undertaking's efforts to ensure the safety of passengers are commendable, and its decision to launch a major citywide safety crackdown is a step in the right direction.