Zero tolerance on alcohol: MSRTC mandates daily tests for drivers and conductors

In a major step aimed at strengthening passenger safety and discipline within the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation MSRTC State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has announced a strict ldquozero tolerancerdquo policy against alcohol consumption by staff while on duty The new directives mandate daily alcohol testing for drivers and conductors before they are allowed to take charge of busesThe decision comes after a recent surprise inspection at a Mumbai bus depot revealed alarming lapses in discipline prompting the government to introduce a series of stringent measures across MSRTC depotsSurprise Inspection Exposes Serious LapsesThe crackdown follows a surprise visit conducted by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at the Parel bus depot in Mumbai on January 25 During the inspection several liquor bottles were discovered in the rest rooms used by drivers and conductors Officials also reportedly found some staff members in an inebriated condition while on dutyTaking serious note of the incident Sarnaik immediately ordered the formation of a special inquiry committee and directed strict action against those responsible for the lapse The minister emphasised that such incidents not only violate service rules but also pose a direct threat to passenger safetyHe further instructed the MSRTC administration to introduce strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the futureInquiry Committee Fixes ResponsibilityFollowing the inspection the MSRTC administration constituted a threemember committee to conduct a detailed probe into the matter The committee examined the circumstances leading to the incident and identified officials responsible for negligenceThe committee has submitted its report to Chairman Pratap Sarnaik recommending disciplinary action against those found guilty and suggesting systemic reforms to improve monitoring within depots Based on the report the MSRTC administration has already initiated action against the concerned officialsAuthorities have also begun implementing the committeersquos recommendations across all bus depots with immediate effectDaily Alcohol Tests Now MandatoryUnder the new measures every driver reporting for duty at a depot will be required to undergo an alcohol test using an alcotest machine Drivers will be permitted to operate buses only after the test results are recorded and verifiedConductors will also undergo similar alcohol tests before being assigned duty and the results will be documented as part of official recordsVehicle examiners will conduct these checks at depots while supervisory staff will ensure that procedures are followed strictly Officials including Assistant Workshop Superintendents Assistant Traffic Superintendents Traffic Inspectors Assistant Traffic Inspectors and Traffic Controllers have been instructed to ensure compliance with the directiveDepot managers have also been tasked with maintaining strict supervision and ensuring that the alcohol testing procedures are implemented effectivelyAdditional Monitoring During RoutesApart from depotlevel testing drivers will also be required to record their movements in control room logbooks while operating on routes After making entries in the logbook drivers may again be subjected to alcotest checks before being permitted to continue their journeyStation heads have been directed to ensure that such checks are conducted regularlyIn addition periodic alcohol testing of drivers conductors and other staff present at bus stations depots and rest rooms will be carried out Supervisory officers will verify the implementation of these measures during routine visits to depots and bus stationsThe vigilance department will also conduct surprise inspections from time to time through route inspection teams traffic inspectors training departments and the MSRTC security wingAwareness Campaign for StaffAlong with strict enforcement measures the MSRTC administration will also focus on awareness initiatives among employeesTraining sessions will be organised to educate drivers conductors and other staff members about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption These sessions will be conducted with the assistance of social organisationsA special ldquoAlcohol Awareness Weekrdquo will also be organised at bus depots to sensitise employees about safety responsibilitiesAuthorities will also focus on improving facilities at rest rooms and guest houses used by staff including proper drinking water lighting fans and cleanliness particularly at major bus stations where drivers and conductors frequently halt during long journeysPassenger Safety Remains Top PriorityEmphasising the importance of discipline in public transport services Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the MSRTC administration has adopted a firm stance against alcohol consumption while on dutyHe expressed confidence that the newly introduced measures would significantly enhance passenger safety and improve operational discipline within the staterun bus serviceldquoThe safety of passengers is our highest priority With strict monitoring and awareness measures we are determined to ensure that MSRTC services remain safe reliable and responsiblerdquo Sarnaik said