08 September,2009 04:12 PM IST | | Vivek Sabnis
Sends its 200 drivers on programme that will upgrade their driving skills by including yoga sessions and meditation courses
After four fatal accidents involving Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) buses in the last one month, including the death of six-year-old Yash Waghmare on Jangli Maharaj Roadon on Saturday, the authorities are walking the extra mile to avert such mishaps.
Satish Kulkarni, the executive director of PMPML, said, "Two hundred bus drivers have been sent for training, at the Central Institute of Road transport (CIRT) in Bhosari. While the training will mainly focus on road safety and upgradation of driving skills, it will also include sessions on yoga and Art of Living to reduce stress levels."
Other initiatives
PMPML is also making first aid boxes mandatory on all its buses and instituting more rigorous technical checks of the bus engines.
Besides, it will also display information and contact numbers of hospitals and ambulances on the route.
"We are networking with hospitals to ensure they treat accident patients as a priority," said Kulkarni.
The PMPML control room numbers 020-24503223/4 will now be open all hours of the day.
N Ramswami, head of research and consultancy of the Central Institute of Road Transport, said the organisation is working on earmarking exclusive routes for PMPML buses.
Manoj Patil, DCP Traffic, said, "Separate lanes are to be reserved for PMPML buses on JM and FC road to help prevent accidents, especially with two wheelers."
