Mumbai: Alcohol tests for MSRTC drivers after complaints

One of India's biggest public transport undertakings, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has made alcohol tests mandatory for every driver before taking over a bus at any depot following passenger complaints. MSRTC has one of the largest vehicle fleets in the country with over 15,000 buses.

The bus supervisor will now need to maintain a logbook mentioning the status of alcohol tests for the staff on duty. Besides alcohol tests, a fresh circular states that wearing proper uniforms on duty and behaving in a disciplined manner is mandatory to maintain a clean public image or else the errant employee will face action.

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Employees, however, expressed displeasure over the circular, alleging that there had been a shortage of uniforms and despite forwarding a demand in this regard, not all depots have provided new sets. The MSRTC has a workforce of more than 60,000 drivers and conductors who until a few years ago would receive two sets of uniforms annually, along with a washing allowance. However, this is not the case at present. As far as the alcohol tests are concerned, the staff alleged that not all depots possess breathalyser devices to check for intoxication and at many locations, the machines do not function properly, providing erroneous readings which lead to harassment of drivers and staff. "We are not against the rules and regulations, but the corporation must equip itself properly first and then lay down such regulations," said a trade union employee.

According to MSRTC officials, the tenders for uniforms have already been floated and new sets should be despatched by next month. An official added that maintaining discipline and public safety were the key factors taken into consideration while issuing the circular. "A public transport driver needs to drive for long hours and we have to ensure that he is in good shape and fit enough," he said.

60,000
No. of MSRTC drivers & conductors